Two feral cats in Bulverde and New Braunfels have tested positive for the rabies virus and Comal County today suspended the Feral Cat Trap-Neuter-Release Program administered by the Humane Society of New Braunfels (HSNBA) until further notice.
The county was notified of the test results on Sept. 6 by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
There is an unconfirmed report that a third cat was reported behaving strangely at another location in New Braunfels today. The animal is now headed to DSHS for testing at its lab in Austin.
The cats who tested positive were found near the intersections of SH-46 and FM 1863 in New Braunfels and at SH-46 and U.S. Hwy. 281 in Bulverde.
Residents in the affected and neighboring areas where these cats were discovered are urged to avoid contact with skunks, foxes and other wildlife, particularly if they exhibit unusual behavior, County Public Information Officer Cary Zayas said.
Comal County Animal Control asks the public to avoid contact with wildlife and unfamiliar animals.
HSNBA Executive Director Sarah Hammond said the animal community is on edge, hoping these two rabies cases are not part of a larger outbreak.
Pet owners are asked to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies, as state law requires.
Zayas said these are the fourth and fifth confirmed rabies in Comal County so far this year.
However, according to information provided by DSHS spokesperson Chris Van Deusen, there have been 12 cases of rabies in animals in the county so far this year, including four in a bat, three in cats, three in foxes and two in skunks.
In 2023, four confirmed rabies cases were reported in Comal County, two in foxes, one in a bat and one in a raccoon.
Hammond said rabid cats may act wobbly or “drunk” and may not try to run and hide as they otherwise would when approached by a human. They may show signs of aggression and stop eating or drinking.
In a statement, the county said rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It’s usually transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.
A person or mammal can contract rabies when bitten or if the animal’s saliva comes into contact with their eyes, nose, mouth or unopened wound.
Rabies is almost always fatal.
If bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed to an animal, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and seek medical advice.
It is important to promptly report any animal bites or potential exposures to Comal County Animal Control at 830-608-2016.
If that animal’s location is known, report it to Animal Control as soon as possible.
