Third positive rabies case of 2026 confirmed in Kerr County

Kerr County Animal Control has recorded the county’s third positive rabies case for 2026 – this time in a bat found between Kerrville and Ingram.

“Our office was notified of a deceased bat found on a residential property in the 100 block of Misty Lane off Goat Creek Road near Kerrville on April 4,” said KCAC Director Reagan Givens.

An animal control officer was dispatched to the scene, collected the specimen, preserved it properly and shipped it off to the lab for testing on Monday, April 6. Confirmation from the lab that the bat was positive for the deadly neurological disease was received on Thursday, April 9.

There were four pet dogs in close vicinity to the bat, and exposure was possible, Givens said. They were all current on their rabies vaccinations, so they were expected to get booster shots, as is protocol, he added.

If anyone notices an animal acting abnormally, they are asked to make a note of what it looks like, where it is exactly and maybe even which direction it may be heading. Then, call that information in to the Kerr County Animal Control office at 830-257-3100. If the sighting happens outside normal business hours, then please call the information in to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at 839-896-1216.

Additionally, people are asked to never feed or attempt to touch wildlife, including unknown dogs and cats, Givens advised.

The first case of rabies this year was verified in a raccoon discovered at a Kerrville residence on March 15, while the second case involved a bat found at a Center Point residence on March 21.