The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed an outbreak of rabies in wildlife within Hays County and surrounding areas. Most cases have involved foxes, which are common carriers of rabies in Texas. While there is no imminent threat to human life, rabies is a serious disease that can affect pets, livestock, and humans if exposed.
Hays County officials are working closely with local healthcare and veterinary providers to monitor the situation and ensure readiness. The Health Department is actively coordinating with local medical providers to ensure treatment protocols and resources are in place should human exposure occur.
Free rabies vaccination clinics for the public are: - In San Marcos on January 17, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the PALS Clinic, 8401 RR12. Dogs must be leashed and cats in carriers. No appointment necessary.
-In Wimberley on January 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Apollo Veterinary Clinic, 101 Twilight Trail. Please call ahead so the clinic can prepare for your visit. No formal appointment is required.
Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the brain and nervous system. Rabies can be spread by the bite of an animal sick with rabies or through the saliva of a rabid animal entering a fresh scratch or similar skin injury. In Texas, rabies is most commonly found in skunks, bats, coyotes, raccoons and foxes.
To protect yourself, pets and livestock against rabies, do the following: -Avoid contact: Do not approach, play with or feed wildlife.
-Rabies vaccination: The best way to protect your pet is to make sure their rabies shots are up to date. Texas law requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated, and in Hays County, they must get their first shot by 4 months old. Rabies vaccines expire, so your pet will need regular boosters. Your vet will recommend a one-year or three-year schedule.
-Secure your pet: Prevent your pet’s contact with wildlife such as skunks, foxes, bats, coyotes and raccoons. When walking in unsecured areas, make sure your pet is on a leash.
-Spay or neuter your pets to protect them from rabies: This procedure makes pets less likely to wander or look for mates, which lowers their chances of meeting wild animals that could have rabies.
-Act quickly if an exposure occurs: If a human or pet is bitten or scratched, wash the wound with soap and water immediately and see a doctor or veterinarian.
Contact local animal control if you observe an animal showing any of the following behaviors: -Acting strangely: animals being unusually aggressive or overly friendly -Seizures: animals display sudden shaking or convulsions -Trouble moving: animals show sudden weakness, paralysis or difficulty walking -Confused behavior: animals seem disoriented or don’t know where they are -Drooling a lot: animals display excessive saliva or foaming at the mouth If you see a suspicious animal: Call local animal control and be ready to share: - Exact location - Time seen - If it contacted people or pets - Any unusual behavior If you have any questions or concerns about rabies in animals or would like to report animals you suspect of rabies, please call The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division or your city’s animal control authority.
The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division number is 512-393-7896. It is located at 810 S. Stagecoach Trail, in San Marcos.
San Marcos Animal Shelter and Animal Services number is 512-805-2650. It is located at 750 River Road, San Marcos.
City of Kyle Animal Control number is 512268-3232. It is located at Kyle Public Safety Center, 1700 Kohler’s Crossing in Kyle.
The number for the City of Buda Animal Control is 512-3120084. It is located at 405 E. Loop Street, Building 100, in Buda.
For updates, and additional resources go to hayscountytx. gov/health-department.
