HAYS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed an outbreak of rabies in wildlife within Hays County and surrounding areas. Most cases have involved foxes, which are common carriers of rabies in Texas. While there is no imminent threat to human life, rabies is a serious disease that can affect pets, livestock, and humans if exposed.
Hays County officials are working closely with local healthcare and veterinary providers to monitor the situation and ensure readiness. The Health Department is actively coordinating with local medical providers to ensure treatment protocols and resources are in place should human exposure occur.
Free rabies vaccination clinics for the public: IN SAN MARCOS ON JAN. 17 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. PALS Clinic 8401 Ranch Road 12 Dogs must be leashed and cats in carriers. No appointment necessary.
IN WIMBERLEY ON JAN. 24 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Apollo Veterinary Clinic 101 Twilight Trail Please call ahead so the clinic can prepare for your visit (no formal appointment required) WHAT IS RABIES?
Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the brain and nervous system.
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. In Texas, rabies is most commonly found in skunks, bats, coyotes, raccoons and foxes.
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF AND PETS / LIVESTOCK AGAINST RABIES?
- Avoid contact: Do not approach, play with or feed wildlife.
- Rabies vaccination: The best way to protect your pet is to make sure their rabies shots are 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 your pet will need regular boosters. Your vet will recommend a 1-year or 3-year schedule.
- Secure your pet: Prevent your pet’s contact with wildlife such as skunks, foxes, bats, coyotes, and raccoons. When going on walks in unsecured areas, make sure your pet is on a leash.
- Spay or neuter your pets to protect them from rabies: This procedure makes pets less likely to wander or look for mates, which lowers their chances of meeting wild animals that could have rabies.
- Act quickly if an exposure occurs: If a human or pet is bitten or scratched, wash the wound with soap and water immediately and see a doctor or veterinarian.
CONTACT LOCAL ANIMAL CONTROL IF YOU OBSERVE AN ANIMAL SHOWING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIORS: - Acting strangely – being unusually aggressive or overly friendly - Seizures – sudden shaking or convulsions - Trouble moving – weakness, paralysis, or difficulty walking - Confused behavior – seeming disoriented or not knowing where they are - Drooling a lot – excessive saliva or foaming at the mouth
IF YOU SEE A SUSPICIOUS ANIMAL: CALL LOCAL ANIMAL CONTROL AND BE READY TO SHARE: - Exact location - Time seen - If it contacted people or pets - Any unusual behavior If you have any questions or concerns about rabies in animals or would like to report animals you suspect of rabies, please call The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division or your city’s animal control authority.
THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ANIMAL CONTROL DIVISION 810 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666 512-393-7896 SAN MARCOS ANIMAL SHELTER AND ANIMAL SERVICES 750 River Road San Marcos Texas 78666 512-805-2650
CITY OF KYLE ANIMAL CONTROL Kyle Public Safety Center 1700 Kohler’s Crossing Kyle, Texas 78640 512-268-3232
CITY OF BUDA ANIMAL CONTROL 405 E. Loop Street, Building 100 Buda, Texas 78610 512-312-0084 For updates, and additional resources go to hayscountytx. gov/health-department
