Kerr County posts 12th confirmed case of rabies for 2024

Kerr County officials say that a 12th case of rabies has been confirmed in Kerr County after Kerr County Animal Services retrieved a skunk that had been killed by family pets at a residence on Thurman Street.  The sample was sent on May 16, and the report that the skunk was infected with rabies came back positive on Saturday, May 18.

“You never know when a wild animal will visit,” said KCAS Director Reagan Givens.  “We’ve had several different species test positive for rabies this year, and they have shown up not only in the rural parts of the county, but on our city streets, as well.”

Since the family pets had exposure to the rabid skunk, they must follow a strict protocol, according to Texas law.  If the pet has been previously vaccinated against rabies, then they should be revaccinated immediately restrained or confined for a period of 45 days.  If the exposed pet has not been previously vaccinated against rabies, then it should be vaccinated immediately and placed into solitary confinement for 90 days, with booster shots given in the third and eighth weeks of isolation.  In this instance, the two family dogs involved were current on their vaccinations.

Anyone who notices an animal behaving abnormally is asked to call in its physical description, its exact location and which direction it may be heading to the KCAS office at (830) 257-3100. Citizens are also encouraged to not have any contact with wildlife, including stray cats and dogs and make sure their pets are current on their vaccines.