Kerr County's confirmed rabies cases now number 5 skunks

Rabiesconfirmed

Kerr County Animal Services received a call last week that has now resulted in the county's fifth confirmed rabies case of the year.

The department was notified on Tuesday, March 26, that a skunk had been found dead in the back yard of a residence on Earl Garrett Street in Kerrville, and that there was exposure between the skunk and pets.

A KCAS animal control officer was dispatched to the scene, collected the specimen and sent it to the lab for testing that same day. The positive result of rabies was sent to the county on Friday, March 29.

“This case and all four of the previous cases of rabies confirmed in our county have been in skunks and all were found inside Kerrville city limits,” said KCAS Director Reagan Givens. “But, residents should also be aware that rabies can be transmitted by high-risk carriers such as fox, bats raccoons and even dogs or cats.”

“You never know when you will encounter an animal carrying this deadly, viral disease. Please, make sure your family pets are protected with rabies vaccinations,” Givens said.

Due to the pet exposure to the rabid animal in this incident, the pet owner has been instructed to follow a strict protocol lined out by Texas law. “Texas law dictates that if you don’t humanely euthanize a pet exposed to a known rabid animal, that you must follow certain vaccination dates and quarantining guidelines,” Given said. “Making sure your pets are vaccinated in advance eases this process somewhat.”

Anyone who notices an animal acting abnormally or sick should make a note of its appearance, its exact location and which direction it may be heading, then report that information to Kerr County Animal Services at 830-257-3100. If it is after hours, please call the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office with the information at 830-896-1216.