Kerr County confirms 5th rabies case of 2021

A skunk that was discovered in a residential yard in The Woods subdivision in Kerr County has been confirmed positive for rabies, becoming Kerr County’s 5th case of rabies in 2021. The incident was reported on August 26 to Kerr County Animal Services, according to Reagan Givens, director.

“It is thought to have come into contact with the homeowner’s dogs. The skunk was picked up by one of our officers on August 26 and sent to the lab for testing on August 30,” Givens said.

The skunk is thought to have come into contact with the homeowner’s dogs. Per protocol, the homeowner was notified of regulations pertaining to pets that have been exposed.

According to Texas law, if a pet cat or dog is bitten or has had contact with an animal known to be rabid, then the pet should be humanely euthanized. Owners unwilling to end their pets’ lives should then follow the protocol laid out by law: If a dog or cat is exposed to rabies, they should be revaccinated immediately and restrained for a period of 45 days; A pet who has not been vaccinated needs to receive a shot immediately and placed into isolation for 90 days.

Givens wants to remind people that dogs and cats need to remain current on their vaccinations and people should never attempt to feed or touch wildlife. Anyone who sees an animal acting abnormally is asked to call the Kerr County Animal Services at (830) 896-1216.

Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease that can spread to humans from family pets who have been bitten or otherwise infected by another rabid animal. The disease can be transmitted to cows, horses, goats and ferrets, who can infect their human owners.

Kerr County has had 4 previous positive cases of rabies this year. There were 4 cases of rabies recorded in 2020.