Concerns have risen in San Antonio after a skunk tested positive for rabies, marking yet another in a string of animal rabies cases this year. San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) and the Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) are urging locals to exercise caution around wildlife and unfamiliar animals. The advisory comes after a recent incident where a child, aged seven, had a close encounter with the infected skunk in their neighborhood, as reported on SAACS's official website.
In light of the 18 confirmed animal rabies cases primarily involving bats in Bexar County for the year, officials are emphasizing the importance of avoiding interaction with wildlife. Community members are asked to avoid feeding or approaching wild animals, such as bats, coyotes, raccoons, or skunks — and to teach children the same. The urgency of such measures is underscored by the potential fatality of rabies, particularly as bats can inflict bites that go undetected.
SAACS is also reminding all pet owners in the area to ensure their pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations, which remains one of the most robust lines of defense against the disease. Any wildlife encounters that could lead to rabies exposure should be reported straight away to the respective animal control authorities. For those residing within San Antonio city limits, the contact number is 311, whereas Bexar County Animal Control can be reached at 210-335-9000, for residents outside the city limits.
Moreover, any exposure incident is subject to state law requirements, demanding that it be reported for assessment and probable testing by the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. Still, if a potentially rabid animal finds its way indoors, the advice is to keep it confined if it's safe to do so without direct contact awaiting Animal Control intervention — and it's critical to avoid harming the animal to preserve the possibility of accurate laboratory testing for rabies.
To support the community in prevention efforts, SAACS has organized a vaccination and microchipping clinic. The event will be hosted this Saturday, October 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Paul Jolly Center for Pet Adoptions. The first 100 pet guardians from San Antonio can look forward to complimentary rabies shots, other core vaccinations, and microchips for their furry friends.
