A fox found within New Braunfels city limits tested positive for rabies, officials with the city’s Public Health Department said Friday.
Twenty confirmed rabies cases have been reported in Comal County so far this year.
The public is advised to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals, including stray dogs, cats, foxes, raccoons, bats, and skunks.
Residents should not hand-feed wildlife.
Tuesday, Bexar County’s Health Department confirmed a fox tested positive for rabies after behaving abnormally on a property in the northern part of the county. The homeowner killed the fox and called animal control.
It was the 15th rabies case in Bexar County so far this year.
Rabies symptoms in animals include paralysis, circling or staggering as if disoriented, acting aggressively without provocation, or exhibiting unnaturally tame behavior.
The rabies virus is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, often via bites. The deadly virus affects the nervous system of animals, including humans.
Tips to Avoid Contact with Unfamiliar Animals and Prevent the Spread of Rabies
- Avoid wild animals.
- Keep pets vaccinated and 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 one is found inside your home, contain it carefully and contact authorities.
- Seek medical attention for bites/scratches. Clean wounds and seek immediate medical care if bitten or scratched by an animal.
- Report unusual animal behavior. Contact authorities if an animal appears disoriented, aggressive, or unafraid of humans.
- Never touch sick or injured animals.
Before calling to report a fox or other animal, take time to observe its behavior and look for these signs:
- Partial paralysis or the inability to walk normally
- Circling or staggering as if disoriented
- Acting aggressively for no reason
- Acting unnaturally tame
Do not approach the animal. Contact animal control in New Braunfels at 830-608-2183 or animal control for Comal County at 830-608-2016.