Kerr County posts 3rd positive rabies case of year

Kerr County has received confirmation of its third positive case of rabies this year – again in a bat.  On Sunday, April 27, Kerr County Animal Services was notified of a deceased bat located under the railing on the Kerrville River Trail at Francisco Lemos Street, said KCAS Director Reagan Givens.  An animal control officer was dispatched and retrieved the bat, preserved the specimen and sent it on Monday, April 28, to the zoological lab for testing.

It does not appear that any contact was made between the bat and any humans or pets, according to Givens.  “The fact that this rabid bat was found along the walking/biking path underscores how we can come into contact with a rabies carrier just about anywhere – inside city limits as well as the far rural corners of the county,” Givens added.  “Please stay vigilant.  Never touch a wild animal, including stray dogs and cats.  Make sure your family’s pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.”

Anyone who notices an animal acting strangely (such as overly tame), should make a note of its physical description, its location and which direction it may be heading before reporting  the information to KCAS at 830-257-3100.  If it is outside of normal business hours, contact the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at 830-896-1216.

In late March, there were back-to-back cases of bats suspected of rabies in Kerrville South and in the Mountain Home area.  One was confirmed positive.  The other specimen was deemed too damaged to be testable.  Texas law states that it had to be declared positive in the interest of public safety.

In 2024, there were 16 total cases of rabies in Kerr County.