Public Health Region 8 - Zoonosis Control

In Texas Public Health Region 8, we provide zoonosis control public health services in twenty-eight counties of south-central Texas. The purpose of the Zoonosis Control Program is to protect the health and well-being of Region 8 through the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.  Zoonotic diseases are sicknesses that can spread to humans from animals and/or insects. 

The Zoonosis Control Program works to:  

• Identify, prevent, and control zoonotic diseases reported in the Region 

• Educate residents and medical, veterinary, and public health professionals about zoonotic diseases 

• Work with local, federal, and other state agencies on zoonotic disease control 

• Conduct surveillance activities for animal and insect diseases of public health concern 

• Support preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for public health emergencies  

• Perform risk assessments and make recommendations on prevention of rabies and other diseases.  

• Ensure compliance with state health and safety codes for rabies and animal control 

• We strive to keep you informed and safe 

For Region 8, our activities include:  

• Investigate all reported cases of human, animal, and insect diseases in Region 8 

• Provide educational programs on disease prevention, medical testing, and surveillance 

• Assist healthcare providers and community stakeholders with rabies risk assessment and vaccination 

• Train animal control officers and other interested persons on rabies prevention, animal control laws, and animal welfare 

• Inspect animal shelters that quarantine rabies suspects to ensure they meet the standards for animal control and rabies laws 

• Partner with community task force programs concerned with zoonotic and insect-transmitted diseases 

Check out our latest newsletters for all things Zoonosis Control:  

• January 2023
• October 2022
• March 2022 
• October 2021 
• June 2021  
• January 2020  
• September 2019 

Have a question? Reach out to our department for assistance.  

Amanda Kieffer, DVM, MPH 
Regional Veterinarian 
7430 Louis Pasteur 
San Antonio, TX 78229 
Region8.Zoonosis@dshs.texas.gov 

Phone: 210-949-2048 
Fax: 210-692-1457