SAN ANTONIO – A recent rabies case involving a dog prompted health officials to remind families to take wildlife encounters seriously, especially when pets or children are involved.
The dog, which was not vaccinated against rabies, tested positive Tuesday after killing a baby skunk, according to its owner. The dog eventually developed behavioral and neurological symptoms and bit the owner at a home on the far West side.
The case is the first reported rabies-positive pet dog in Bexar County in more than a decade, according to San Antonio Animal Care Services and Metro Health.
But officials say the concern extends beyond that one dog. There were 22 positive rabies cases involving wildlife in Bexar County in June and July 2026, according to local health officials.
That’s a significant increase compared with the same two-month period in the previous two years, when there were only two to three reported cases.
John Gary, director of San Antonio Animal Care Services, said the increase is something residents should take seriously.
“Our biggest concern is just ensuring that our public knows that we have seen a significant increase in the number of positive rabies cases in wildlife,” Gary said.
The Texas Department of State Health Services tracks rabies cases throughout the state and provides monthly reports and maps showing reported cases by location and animal.
Wildlife commonly associated with rabies in Texas includes bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons.
You don’t have to be bitten to be exposed
Rabies is a viral disease that affects mammals and can cause severe neurological illness.
The virus is primarily spread through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite. However, an exposure can happen in other ways.
Christina Carmona, epidemiology program manager for San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, said infected saliva entering an open wound can also transmit rabies.
“If you see an animal that is on the ground and you approach it and they lick you and you have an open wound on your hand, that is a way for rabies to get into your system,” Carmona said.
That is why she said residents should avoid touching wildlife — even if an animal appears injured, sick or harmless.
What should you do after a possible exposure?
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal that could have rabies, wash the wound immediately with soap and water. Then seek medical attention as soon as possible. Carmona said people who need rabies post-exposure treatment should go to a major hospital.
“You would have to go to the emergency room,” Carmona said. “Then they’ll give you the immunoglobulin for the rabies and also your first dose of the rabies vaccine.”
For people who have not previously received rabies vaccination, Carmona said the vaccine series includes four doses on day zero, day three, day seven and day 14.
Health officials stress that treatment should begin before symptoms develop. Once rabies symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal
What should parents tell their children?
Children are naturally curious and may be more likely to approach an unfamiliar animal. Carmona said parents should teach children to stay away from animals they do not know, particularly wildlife.
“We need to teach them to be wary and cautious when interacting with animals they do not know, especially wild animals,” Carmona added.
If a child does interact with a wild animal, Carmona recommends contacting the child’s pediatrician to determine whether additional treatment will be necessary.
Parents should also teach children never to touch bats or other wildlife they find on the ground.
What if your pet encounters wildlife?
Pet owners should make sure dogs and cats are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Rabies vaccinations are required by both state and local law for dogs and cats. Officials also recommend keeping pets from roaming freely and reporting any interaction between a pet and wildlife.
Call 311 to report an animal exposure or request assistance.
If a potentially rabid animal is inside your home or another building, do not attempt to handle it unless it can be safely contained without direct contact. Officials recommend waiting for Animal Care Services or animal control to respond.
Officials say keeping pets vaccinated is one of the most important ways to prevent rabies from spreading from wildlife to people. San Antonio Animal Care Services holds pet vaccination clinics throughout the year.
The city also scheduled a vaccination clinic for Saturday, August 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Monterrey Park, 5919 W. Commerce St.
The clinic is open to San Antonio residents, with free rabies vaccinations and other protective vaccinations available for the first 100 pets, according to the city.
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