Skunk collected from Kerrville neighborhood tests positive

Kerr County Animal Services (KCAS) has announced that a skunk has been posted as the county’s seventh rabies case of 2025.

“A resident in the 800 block of Leland Street in Kerrville called our office to report a dead skunk that had previously come into contact with their two dogs,” said KCAS Director Reagan Givens.

An animal control officer was dispatched to that part of the city to collect the specimen, which was then sent to the zoological lab for testing on Monday, Sept. 29.

“We received word yesterday that the specimen, which had been mostly destroyed by the pet dogs prior to collection, was deemed by the lab to be ‘untestable.’ By Texas law, which errs on the side of caution for human safety, we have to record that as a positive case for our county,” Givens added.

Following protocol in a suspected rabies contact case, both dogs are being isolated. One of them was current on its rabies vaccination. The other has had its first booster shot, he said.

“Just like the last case of rabies we had about a week ago, this one was found in town. This time, it was in a housing area, rather than in front of a store. Both of these most recent cases underscore how important it is for us to be more aware of our surroundings. We really never know where we will encounter a wild, potentially rabid animal – in our neighborhoods or out in the far corners of the county,” Givens added.

He urged citizens to never attempt to touch or feed an unfamiliar animal, including stray cats and dogs.

Instead, if someone notices an animal acting strangely or appearing ill, it should make a note of its physical description, its exact location and where it may be heading and call that information into the Kerr County Animal Services office at 830-257-3100. If it is after regular business hours, then report the information to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office.