SAN ANTONIO – A second fox in the past week tested positive for rabies Thursday. Both rabies cases occurred in Far North Bexar County.
This is the 16th case of rabies detected in Bexar County so far this year. Most previous cases have involved bats.
The rabid fox was found in the 27000 block of Mark Wayne. A homeowner reported it to Bexar County Animal Control and said their pet had contact with the fox that exhibited signs of rabies infection. The pet is current with its rabies vaccine, and the owner has taken all necessary precautions with their personal veterinarian.
Kerr County confirms seventh rabies case after skunk found dead in neighborhood
This, after Kerr County Animal Services confirmed the county’s seventh rabies case of the year after a skunk was reported dead in a Kerrville neighborhood.
According to KCAS Director Reagan Givens, a resident in the 800 block of Leland Street contacted the agency after discovering a skunk that had come into contact with their two dogs. An animal control officer collected the remains, which were sent to a state zoological lab for testing on Monday.
RELATED | Kerr County confirms seventh rabies case after skunk found dead in neighborhood
“The specimen, which had been mostly destroyed by the pet dogs prior to collection, was deemed by the lab to be ‘untestable,’” Givens said. “By Texas law, which errs on the side of caution for human safety, we have to record that as a positive case for our county.”
Both dogs are now under isolation, following standard protocol for suspected rabies exposure. One dog was up to date on its rabies vaccinations, while the other has since received its first booster shot.
RELATED | Fox tests positive for rabies in Far North Bexar County
Take precautions
Rabies, a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system, is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected animal. Transmission can also occur if saliva from a rabid animal comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound. If untreated, rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Officials urged residents to take precautions, including keeping distance from unfamiliar or wild animals, reporting animal bites immediately to local rabies authorities, and ensuring that household pets remain up to date on their vaccinations.
People with a bite, scratch, or other exposure from an animal should immediately wash the wound with soap and water and talk to a healthcare provider. The location of the animal, if known, should be reported as soon as possible to authorities.
If you’re a pet owner, you’re encouraged to make sure your pet is vaccinated against rabies. Bexar County Animal Care will host a free rabies vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 4 at the Bexar-Bulverde Fire Department, 23103 Bulverde Road. A rabies vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread of rabies and is required by state law.