Kerr County officials have confirmed their first rabies case of the year after a rabid raccoon bit a Kerrville family’s dog.
KERR COUNTY, Texas — Kerr County officials have confirmed the first positive rabies case of 2026 after a raccoon bit a family’s dog in a residential neighborhood in Kerrville.
On Sunday, March 15, Kerr County Animal Control Director Reagan Givens said the agency was contacted about a raccoon that had come into contact with a dog at a home off the 500 block of East Lane.
An animal control officer collected the raccoon the following day and submitted it to a laboratory for testing.
Officials were notified Wednesday, March 18, that the animal tested positive for rabies, Givens said.
The dog involved had previously been vaccinated against rabies and received a booster shot the next day, along with the family’s other dogs, in accordance with recommended protocols.
“This incident was in a city residential neighborhood, so it proves that you never know when or just where you may come into close proximity with a diseased animal,” Givens said. “Please make sure all your family’s pets are up to date on their vaccinations.”
Authorities urged residents not to feed or attempt to handle stray animals, including cats and dogs. Officials also advised anyone who observes an animal behaving unusually to note its physical description, location and direction of travel, and report it to Kerr County Animal Control.
Reports can be made by calling 830-257-3100 during business hours or the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at 830-896-1216 after hours.