Stephens County cat tests positive for rabies
Stephens County Judge Michael Roach announced today that the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has advised the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office of a positive rabies case in an “outside” cat near County Road 120 in the southeast part of the county near the Stephens-Eastland county line.
The cat bit its owner, and the positive test was confirmed today. Aug. 3. At this time, the source of the infection is unknown.
DSHS has confirmed that several neighboring counties have had positive lab-confirmed cases of rabies this year. Stephens County has had at least two cases this year. In June, a dog inside the Breckenridge city limits tested positive for the disease.
Rabies is a preventable disease. DSHS recommends that individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:
• By law, you must have a veterinarian vaccinate your dogs and cats against rabies. Keeping your pets vaccinated protects you and them. Ask a veterinarian about the best vaccination schedule for your pet.
• Restrain your pets; do not allow them to roam.
• Avoid contact with wild animals, dogs, and cats you do not know. Do not try to hand-feed wild animals and do not keep them as pets. Do not approach strange dogs or cats.
• Do not touch sick or injured animals. Call and report them to an animal control officer.
It is vital that everyone, including children, know how to prevent rabies, Roach said.
More information can be found at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/idcu/disease/rabies.aspx.
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