Officials with Comal County and the City of New Braunfels urge residents to be cautious with unfamiliar animals after a stray cat picked up in the 300 block of Austin Street tested positive for rabies last week.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans, and is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, often through bites.
Local health officials remind the public to be cautious with unfamiliar animals like foxes, raccoons, bats, skunks, stray dogs and cats.
Before calling to report a cat or other animal, take time to observe its behavior and look for these signs:
- Partial paralysis or inability to walk normal
- Circling or staggering as if disoriented
- Acting aggressively for no reason
- Acting unnaturally tame
Anyone who observes these signs is asked not to approach the animal and call 830-608-2183 (New Braunfels) or 830-608-2016 (Comal County).
To avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and prevent the spread of rabies:
- Avoid wild animals. Do not approach or hand-feed foxes, raccoons, bats or skunks as they may carry rabies.
- Keep pets vaccinated. Make sure they are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations.
- Secure food and trash. Store garbage and pet food in sealed containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
- Avoid bats. If a bat is inside your home, contain it carefully and contact authorities.
- Seek medical attention for bites/scratches. Clean wounds and seek immediate medical care.
- Report unusual animal behavior. Contact authorities if an animal appears disoriented, aggressive or unafraid of humans.
- Do not touch a sick or injured animal.
