Staff Report
HAYS COUNTY — The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed an outbreak of rabies in wildlife within Hays County and surrounding areas.
Rabies can be spread by the bite of an animal sick with rabies, also known as rabid, or through the saliva of a rabid animal entering a fresh scratch or similar skin injury, according to the Hays County Health Department. In Texas, rabies is most commonly found in skunks, bats, coyotes, raccoons and foxes — most of the cases in Hays County have involved foxes.
People can protect themselves, pets and livestock against rabies by doing the following.
• Avoiding contact: Do not approach, play with or feed wildlife
• Making sure rabies vaccination is up to date — Texas law requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated, and in Hays County, they must get their first shot by 4 months old. Rabies vaccines expire, so pets will need regular boosters.
• Securing pets on leashes when on walks
• Spaying or neutering pets
• Acting quickly if an exposure occurs: If a human or pet is bitten or scratched, they should wash the wound with soap and water immediately and see a doctor or veterinarian.
If someone sees an animal that is showing various behaviors — such as being unusually aggressive or overly friendly, having seizures, trouble moving, seeming disoriented or drooling a lot — they should contact local animal control. Those with questions or concerns about rabies in animals or who would like to report animals they suspect of rabies are asked to call The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division or their city’s animal control authority.
There are also free rabies vaccinations coming up for the public:
• Saturday, Jan. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at PALS Clinic at 8401 Ranch Road 12 in San Marcos (dogs must be leashed and cats in carriers; no appointment is needed)
• Saturday, Jan. 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Apollo Veterinary Clinic in Wimberley (pet owners are asked to call ahead, so the clinic can prepare for the visit, but no formal appointment is required)
For updates and additional resources, visit www.hayscountytx.gov/health-department.
