After nearly a decade of no cases, a mule in Eagle County has tested positive for bat variant rabies, the Colorado Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday.

This is Colorado’s first case of rabies in domestic livestock this year and the first time an equine has tested positive for rabies in the state since 2013.

“Rabies exposure to livestock is an ongoing risk in all areas of Colorado,” said state veterinarian Keith Roehr.

Roehr said it is less common for bat variant rabies to infect domestic animals than skunk variant rabies, but is still possible.

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“This latest case serves as an important reminder of the need for rabies vaccination for domestic animals statewide — not just in areas where skunk variant rabies is established,” he said.

Rabies is spread primarily through saliva, like when pets and livestock are bit by a rabid animal such as a bat, skunk, raccoon or fox. Once symptoms of rabies appear, there is no cure and infection is fatal.

Humans exposed to rabies can receive medication to prevent illness. For pets and livestock, routine rabies vaccination is the best way to protect against infection.

All species of livestock are susceptible to rabies. Cattle and horses are most frequently infected among livestock species.