Rabies is a preventable but serious viral disease that can infect wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. In the United States, rabies is most commonly found in wildlife, including bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes and foxes.
Rabies is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Exposure can also occur when saliva from an infected animal comes into direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes.
To reduce the risk of rabies exposure and other wildlife-related hazards:
- Do not approach, touch, capture, or attempt to handle wild animals, even if they appear friendly, injured, or sick.
- Do not feed foxes or other wildlife. Feeding can encourage animals to lose their natural avoidance of people and increase the likelihood of repeated encounters.
- Never attempt to remove or relocate a wild animal yourself.
- Keep pets away from wildlife and ensure their rabies vaccinations are current.
- Secure food, trash, and other items that may attract wildlife.
- Report wildlife that is behaving unusually, appears ill or injured, or is in an area where it may pose a concern.
If you have an injury or bite from a fox or other wildlife, you must promptly wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical care at a hospital emergency room immediately. Rabies exposures should be evaluated promptly so that a healthcare or public health professional can determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Students who do NOT have a new injury but require rabies vaccination can receive this care at the Student Health Center. Call to schedule an appointment with a medical provider at 512-245-2161.
Additional information about rabies can be found on the Hays County rabies information web page.