The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed an outbreak of rabies in wildlife within Hays County and surrounding areas on Jan. 10.
According to the public health notice from Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, most of the positive rabies cases involve foxes, which are common carriers of rabies in Texas.
There is no immediate threat to humans, but rabies is a serious disease that can affect pets, livestock and humans if exposed.
Rabies can be spread through a bite of an animal sick with rabies or through saliva of a rabid animal entering a fresh skin injury like a scratch, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“In Texas, rabies is most commonly found in skunks, bats, coyotes, raccoons, and foxes,” according to Hays County current public health situation website.
Stated in the public health notice, Hays County officials are working closely with local healthcare and veterinary providers to track the situation. As well, DSHS is working with local medical providers to ensure treatment protocols are in place if a human exposure happens.
The public health notice encourages residents to vaccinate pets and livestock against rabies, avoid contact with wild animals, especially those acting strangely or aggressively and to report suspicious wildlife behavior to the Hays County Sheriff’s office, San Marcos Animal Services, Kyle Animal Control or Buda Animal Control.
Hays County is offering free rabies vaccination for the public on Jan. 17 at PALS Clinic from 9 a.m. to noon with no appointment necessary.
Additionally, on Jan. 24, the Apollo Veterinary Clinic in Wimberley will hold a free rabies vaccination from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but the clinic asks people to call ahead of the visit.
If a human is exposed to rabies, the public health notice advises them to contact the Hays County Health Department immediately.
Visit the Hays County Health Department website for more information.
This is a developing story. The University Star will provide updates as they become available.
