A rabid raccoon caught east of Temple in late June has Bell County officials sounding the alarm on pet vaccinations and wild animal encounters. Authorities say the case is a clear reminder to keep shots up to date and to steer clear of wildlife that looks sick or unusually friendly.
According to FOX 7 Austin, the Bell County Sheriff's Office answered a call about a sick raccoon on Creek Road, just east of Temple, during the last week of June. Deputies captured the animal, which later tested positive for rabies, and the property owner was notified, the sheriff's office said.
State health agency confirms case
Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services shows Bell County listed on this year's regional rabies reports with at least one raccoon confirmed positive. Health officials use those regional files to help local teams coordinate testing, make quarantine decisions, and manage supplies of post-exposure biologicals.
How to protect people and pets
County officials are reminding residents to keep pets and livestock vaccinated, watch closely for odd or aggressive behavior in animals, and report problem wildlife to the sheriff's animal-control unit. According to FOX 7 Austin, anyone who thinks they or their animals might have been exposed should contact a veterinarian or health care provider right away. Prompt evaluation and post-exposure treatment are highly effective at preventing rabies if started in time.
Why one case matters
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms show up, which is why even a single confirmed animal triggers a full public-health response. The Texas Department of State Health Services notes that its laboratory typically returns results within 24 to 48 hours. Regional zoonosis teams then work with local authorities to track possible exposures and provide post-exposure biologicals when they are needed.
