Kerr County Confirms 4th Rabies Case of 2023

Rabiesnotification — A dead bad found in Kerrville has tested positive for rabies. - Texas Parks and Wildlife Department photo

A deceased bat found on Main Street in Kerrville has tested positive for rabies.

That makes it the fourth positive case of rabies confirmed through lab testing this year, according to Reagan Givens, director of Kerr County Animal Services.

The bat was picked up by an animal control officer on Thursday, Oct. 5, immediately after receiving notification from a citizen who found it already dead on his property. “That same day, we sent the specimen to the laboratory for testing. We received notification the very next day, on Friday (Oct. 6), that the animal had tested positive for rabies,” Givens said.

There was suspected exposure to a pet cat, he added.

“Given the fact that this rabid bad was found in the heart of downtown Kerrville, it serves as a great reminder to all of us that we never know when we might cross paths with a wild animal,” Givens said.

“So, please, make sure your pets are protected against this horrible, deadly, viral disease by making sure they are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations,” he added.

Pet owners are specifically obligated by county law to have their dogs and cats vaccinated by the time the pet reaches 4 months of age. The vaccines then must be given at least once every three years.

Proof of those vaccinations must be kept in the official certificate furnished by the veterinarian. The certificate must bear the pet owner’s name, address and telephone number, as well as identifying information about the animal, including species, sex, age, weight, breed and color. Information about the type of vaccine used, as well as the veterinarian’s signature and license number, should also be included.

Anyone who sees a wild animal or even stray dogs or cats is asked to refrain from feeding or making close contact with them. “Instead, we ask that you make note of the area they are, which direction they might be heading and then contact Kerr County Animal Services, the local rabies authority, with that information by calling 830-257-3100,” Givens added.