The case is the first reported rabid pet dog in Bexar County in more than a decade and comes amid a sharp increase in rabies among wild animals in the area.<\/p>\n
SAN ANTONIO \u2014 Health officials are urging San Antonio-area residents to take wildlife encounters seriously after an owned dog tested positive for rabies following an encounter with a skunk.<\/p>\n
The Metro Health Laboratory confirmed the dog had rabies on Aug. 18, according to San Antonio Animal Care Services and Metro Health. The male Husky mix lived near the far west side inside Loop 1604. Its owner told investigators that the dog killed a baby skunk in late July, but the encounter was not reported at the time.<\/p>\n
In the weeks after the encounter, the dog developed behavioral and neurological symptoms before testing positive for the virus. People and pets considered exposed have been offered rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, officials said.<\/p>\n
The case is the first reported rabid pet dog in Bexar County in more than a decade and comes amid a sharp increase in rabies among wild animals in the area. Officials said 22 wildlife rabies cases were reported in June and July 2026, compared with two to three cases during the same two-month period in both 2024 and 2025.<\/p>\n
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that can affect people and animals. In Texas, it is commonly associated with wildlife such as skunks, bats, foxes and raccoons. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal, making prompt evaluation and treatment after a potential exposure critical.<\/p>\n
Officials are advising residents to:<\/p>\n
Keep dogs, cats and other pets current on their rabies vaccinations.Keep dogs from roaming freely and limit pets’ contact with wildlife.Never touch or handle wildlife or unfamiliar animals, including animals that are dead.Report encounters between pets and wildlife immediately. San Antonio residents can call 311, while Bexar County residents can call animal control at 210-335-9000.Confine a pet that may have encountered wildlife to prevent additional contact with people or other animals, and report the potential exposure to the appropriate local rabies authority.If a potentially rabid animal enters a home or other building, avoid direct contact and contact Animal Control rather than attempting to handle the animal unless it can be done safely.Anyone who is bitten, scratched or otherwise may have been exposed should immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and contact a health care provider. <\/p>\n
Residents can also call 311 or use the city’s 311 mobile app to request assistance with the safe removal of dead animals.<\/p>\n