As a follow up to the 2014 Oral Rabies Vaccination Program, this protocol has been developed to help agencies respond to calls about potentially rabid wildlife, and to facilitate the testing of animals suspected of having rabies. Species of most concern in terrestrial rabies transmission are foxes, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, skunks, and feral or free ranging dogs and cats. An animal is considered suspect if it is a member of a species of concern and seems ill, or is acting in a manner that is out of character for the species, e.g. fox moving through town in broad daylight.
- If a suspect animal is found in the target area please contact appropriate personnel in those areas (Animal Control, Sheriff’s Dept., Texas Parks and Wildlife-Game Warden) to have the animal humanely destroyed. Refer to page two for pick up and testing.
- If a private citizen in any of these counties is witness to a suspect animal and cannot contact appropriate personnel it is asked that the animal be humanely destroyed and held until appropriate personnel can be contacted. This recommendation pertains to citizens living outside of the city limits.
- We ask that all safety and care be practiced when attempting to obtain suspect animals. Remember: always wear latex, rubber or leather gloves when handling dead animals.
The most important question to ask… “Has there been Human/Pet Exposure?”
Human/Domestic Animal Exposure:
If a human or domestic animal has been bitten, scratched, or otherwise potentially exposed to rabies by a wild or domestic mammal, or if there is any question about what constitutes exposure, contact the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your pets from rabies…
- Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, and be cautious of stray dogs and cats. Rabid animals do not always appear ill or vicious.
- Teach children to leave wildlife alone. Be sure your children know to tell you if an animal bites or scratches them.
- Call your doctor and your local health department for advice if an animal bites or scratches you. Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water and report the incident immediately!
- Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, or ferrets against rabies. Keep pet vaccinations up-to-date.
- Tightly close garbage cans. Open trash attracts wild or stray animals to your home or yard.
- Feed your pets indoors; never leave pet food outside as this attracts wildlife.
Don’t relocate wild mammals – this can cause rabies to spread quickly to new areas. Importation of rabies-vector wildlife into Texas from other states or other counties would be disastrous. Homeowners should not transport and release animals.
