Bat is Kerr's 15th case of rabies this year
A bat that was found in a Kerr County resident’s backyard among his dogs has tested positive for rabies, becoming the county’s 15th case this year.
The Saddlewood Boulevard resident brought the specimen to Kerr County Animal Services on Thursday, Aug. 22, when it was then refrigerated to preserve its integrity over the weekend. The resident was advised of protocol to follow for his exposed pets under the presumption that the suspect animal was a positive carrier, said director Reagan Givens. The specimen was sent to the zoological lab for testing on Monday, Aug. 26, and Givens' office received the positive results a couple days later.
“We’ve had 15 cases this year, most of which have been inside city limits – proving that you never know when or where you or your family’s pets may encounter an animal carrying this terrible neurological disease,” Givens said. “Please make sure your family pets are up to date on their vaccinations.”
Anyone noticing an animal acting strangely is asked to note its physical appearance, the exactly location when spotted and which direction it is headed, then call the local rabies authority, Kerr County Animal Services, at 830-257-3100 to report that information. If it is after normal business hours, then call the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at 830-896-1216.
The rabies cases this year include: 1 cat, 1 dog, 2 fox, 2 raccoons, 8 skunks and now this bat.
Rabies is a deadly, virus that attacks the neurological system and is carried by mammals than can then transfer the disease to humans.
“We’ve had several different species test positive for rabies this year inside city limits and out in the country,” Givens said. “We discourage everyone from attempting to feed or having any contact with wildlife, including feral dogs and cats.”