Bat collected in downtown Kerrville tests positive for rabies

A rabid bat was discovered near a high foot-traffic business in downtown Kerrville. Fortunately, no human contact is known to have taken place with the animal, according to Kerr County Animal Services.

The local rabies authority was called on Monday, Sept. 22, about a bat that was near shopping carts of a business in the 100 block of Main Street in Kerrville.

“One of our animal control officers responded and collected the specimen, which was sent to the lab for testing the following day,” said Kerr County Animal Services Director Reagan Givens.

“We received word this morning (Sept. 25) that the bat was positive for rabies,” he added.

“This is another instance that proves we cannot predict when and where we might encounter an animal carrying this terrible disease. It can be out in the brush in a remote corner of the county or it can be right next to the shopping cart you are grabbing to visit a store. Whatever the case may be, never touch one of these animals that is either dead or acting abnormally,” Givens added.

Instead, citizens are asked to make a note of its physical appearance, its exact location, which direction it may be heading and then promptly call that information into KCAS at 830-257-3100. If after hours, then call the report into the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office.

“We are fortunate, especially given this infected animal’s location, that no one handled it,” Givens said. “Please always be on the lookout and be cautious. Also, we urge you to take steps now to protect any pets in your family by making sure their rabies vaccines are current.”

This positive case of rabies is the sixth for Kerr County in 2025.