8th Rabies case confirmed in Kerr County

A third raccoon in a week’s time has been confirmed positive for rabies inside Kerrville City Limits, making it the 8th case of rabies for Kerr County this year. Kerr County Animal Services Director Reagan Givens said his department received a report on September 23 of a raccoon that had been discovered in a property owner’s yard on West Water Street, which was later tested and confirmed for rabies on September 27.

Texas law states that if a dog or cat is bitten, or comes into contact with an animal that later tests positive for rabies, the pet should be humanely euthanized.

Since many pet owners are unwilling to end their pet’s life, the law provides for an alternative scenario: vaccinated pets should be revaccinated immediately and confined for 45 days; pets who are not vaccinated for rabies should receive a shot immediately and be confined for 90 days, with booster shots in the 3rd and 8th week of isolation.

Pet owners are reminded to make sure that their animals are current for rabies vaccinations, never put feed outside for animals near your home or business, and do not touch an unknown animal. Anyone who sees an animal acting strangely is asked to take note of its location and contact the Kerr County Animal Services at (830) 257-3100, or the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at (830) 896-1216.

This latest rabies case officially doubles last year’s total of 4 counts.