Health Advisory: Animal Rabies Health Advisory – Public Health Region 8

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Region 8 has seen an increase in skunks testing positive for rabies in Victoria County and surrounding areas. The south-central skunk rabies variant is endemic to Texas, and rabid skunks present significant exposure risks to domestic animals and humans with a concern for spillover into other wildlife species. DSHS recommends people in the affected and neighboring counties be vigilant to avoid contact with skunks, foxes, and other wildlife, especially those exhibiting abnormal behavior. Pet owners should also ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies as required by state law.

Animal bites and exposures should be promptly reported to the local rabies control authority (contacts provided below). The PHR 8 Zoonosis Control Program can provide recommendations on animal quarantine, testing and rabies risk assessment for human exposures.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is most often transmitted by rabid animal bites. A person may get rabies from a rabid animal when it bites them or the animal’s saliva touches their eyes, nose, mouth, or a break in the skin. In rare cases, people can get rabies from scratches, abrasions, or open wounds that are exposed to saliva or other infectious material from a rabid animal. High-risk species for rabies in Texas include skunks, bats, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes, and those high-risk species should be tested for rabies if they have had contact with people or pets. People who are bitten by or exposed to an animal should notify animal control and consult with a health care provider to determine the need for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

Below is a summary of high-risk animals that have tested positive for rabies in DSHS Public Health Region 8 in 2023. Of the 20 positive rabid skunks reported in 2023, 55% (11) have been reported in Victoria County, with the other positive skunks reported in Atascosa (2), Gonzales (1), Kerr (2), Lavaca (3), and Wilson (1) counties.

*As of 7/31/2023

All animal bites should be promptly reported to the local rabies control authority or animal control. For patients with an exposure, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis should be given according to current guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. For guidance and risk assessment, clinicians should consult with their local or regional public health department.

Animal control and local rabies control authorities should remind residents to avoid contact with wild animals and keep their pets vaccinated. Public health authorities should be prepared to provide guidance and risk assessment for animal and human exposures as detailed in DSHS’s Rabies Prevention in Texas.

People can’t tell if an animal has rabies by just looking at it. Avoid contact with wildlife and unknown animals. People with a bite, scratch, or other exposure to 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 the local rabies control authority and/or animal control. Pet owners should ensure their dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies, as required by state law. Animal owners should also consider vaccination of livestock and other animals that may have frequent interaction with the public and/or risk of exposure to rabid wildlife.

• DSHS - Rabies Information
• DSHS - Rabies Prevention in Texas
• ACIP - Rabies PEP Guidelines

Animal Control & Public Health Contacts:

*For any jurisdictions not listed, please contact Public Health Region 8 for more information.