AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – In updated information published Wednesday, the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed nine cases of rabies found in animals throughout the Texas Panhandle, including six in Childress County.
As of Wednesday, Texas DSHS officials confirmed nine cases of rabies had been found in animals in the Texas Panhandle, including:
- One bat in Hartley County;
- One skunk in Potter 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.
DSHS officials noted Texas periodically experiences outbreaks of rabies in skunks, with widespread pockets of the disease throughout the state.
How many people die from rabies each year?
Officials with DSHS have advised steps that can be taken to minimize rabies exposure risks, including:
- Vaccinating pets against rabies and do not allow them to roam;
- Avoid contact with wild animals and pets you do not know;
- 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…