Kerr County's rabies count increases again with latest confirmed case

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Kerr County has now had nine confirmed cases of rabies in recent weeks, matching the most recent high number of cases posted in 2021.

“Our office received a call on April 16 about a skunk that appeared to be ill in a resident’s backyard on Indian Oaks Drive, just south of Kerrville,” said Reagan Givens, director of Kerr County Animal Services. “It had been in close proximity to the family pet,” he added.

An animal control officer was sent to the location, retrieved the skunk and sent a specimen to the zoological lab for testing the same day.

Results received on Friday, April 19, confirmed that the animal had been infected with the rabies virus, a deadly, neurological disease, Givens said.

This latest case brings the tally to six skunks confirmed to be rabid so far this summer. Other cases of positive rabies this year have included one raccoon, one fox and a dog (which, by law, had to be declared positive since the specimen was “untestable” by the lab.)

The resident on Indian Oaks Drive was notified of the protocol that must be followed because their dog came into contact with the rabid skunk.

“We now sit at 9 cases of rabies in our area,” Givens said. “I know this has been said many times before, but I feel it is important to keep driving home the point: We never know when we or our pets will come into contact with a wild animal that is carrying rabies. To minimize your risk, please be sure your dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. Also, do not attempt to feed or touch any wild animal, including stray dogs and cats, even if they may seem friendly.”

Anyone who spots an animal acting strangely is asked to make a note of its physical description, its exact location and which direction it may be headed and call that information in to the Kerr County Animal Services office at 830-257-3100. Citizens may also call in reports of animals suspected of rabies to the zoonosis control office in San Antonio at 210-949-2048.