AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – In updated information as of Monday, the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed 11 cases of rabies found in animals throughout the Texas Panhandle, including two in Randall County and six in Childress County.
City of Canyon encourages rabies awareness after recent cases
As of Monday, Texas DSHS officials confirmed 11 cases of rabies had been found in animals in the Texas Panhandle, including:
- One bat and one skunk in Randall County;
- One skunk in Potter County;
- One bat in Dallam County;
- One skunk in Wheeler County; and
- Six skunks in Childress County.
Rabies is an infection of the nervous system caused by a virus transmitted through a bite from an infected animal, as noted by DSHS, or if saliva from a rabid animal contacts mucous membranes or open wounds. Rabies is fatal once symptoms begin, and DSHS noted only a series of shots can keep a person who has had contact with a rabid animal from contracting the disease.
Rabies on the rise in U.S.: What to know
DSHS officials noted Texas periodically experiences outbreaks of rabies in skunks, with widespread pockets of the disease throughout the state.
Officials with DSHS, the City of Canyon and Amarillo Public Health have advised steps that can be taken to minimize rabies exposure risks, including:
- Vaccinating pets against rabies and do not allow them to roam;
- If bitten by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water and seek prompt medical attention;
- Report all animal bites to local animal control officers;
- Avoid contact with wild animals and pets you do not know;
- Avoid feeding wild animals;
- Do not touch sick or injured animals, but instead call and report them to an animal control officer; and
- Watch out for bold, “friendly” wild animals or changes in animal behavior, such as:
- Night animals, like skunks and foxes, seen in the daytime;
- Pets having difficulty walking, eating or drinking;
- Animals tearing or scratching at old wounds;
- Cattle that “strain” for long periods: and
- Bats that are unable to fly.
More information on rabies in Texas, prevention and resources can be found here.
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