San Antonio health officials confirmed a rabies infection in a pet dog after it killed a skunk near its Far West Side home, marking the first confirmed rabies case in a Bexar County dog in more than a decade.
The Metropolitan Health District laboratory confirmed the infection Tuesday after the male Husky mix developed behavioral and neurological symptoms, according to San Antonio Animal Care Services.
The dog’s owner told investigators that the pet killed a baby skunk in late July near the home inside Loop 1604 but did not report the encounter. Officials have since offered preventive rabies treatment to people and other pets who may have had contact with the infected dog.
Rabies can spread to people and animals through bites or saliva from an infected animal. The disease is preventable when exposure receives prompt treatment but is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
San Antonio and Bexar County recorded 22 rabies cases in June and July, compared with two to three cases during the same period in each of the previous two years. Wildlife accounts for most of the increase.
As of Aug. 18, the Texas Department of State Health Services had recorded 307 confirmed animal rabies cases across 89 counties. Bats accounted for 119 cases and skunks for 107, followed by raccoons with 31 and foxes with 28.
Domestic animals accounted for a smaller share, with 14 infected cats and two dogs recorded statewide as of Tuesday. The San Antonio case appears to be the third confirmed rabies case involving a dog in Texas this year.
Health officials urged residents to avoid touching or feeding wild or unfamiliar animals and to report encounters between pets and wildlife, even when the wildlife does not appear sick.
Residents should confine pets that may have encountered wildlife and report the incident to animal control. Anyone bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to a potentially infected animal should wash the affected area with soap and water and seek medical advice immediately.
San Antonio residents can report wildlife encounters or request removal of dead animals through 311. Bexar County residents outside city limits can call county animal control at 210-335-9000.
Officials also reminded residents to keep dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies, as required under Texas and San Antonio law.
Animal Care Services will hold a vaccination clinic Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Monterrey Park, 5919 W. Commerce St. The clinic will offer free rabies and other vaccinations to the first 100 pets belonging to San Antonio residents, along with low-cost vaccination packages while supplies last.
