Thursday, September 26, 2024
The Copperas Cove Police Department is warning citizens about a recent rabies exposure case in the area, according to a press release distributed by the agency.
On Monday, Sept. 16, Copperas Cove Animal Control responded to the 900 block of Marilyn Drive in Copperas Cove about a skunk attacking a feral kitten. The release says that the kitten’s mother scared the skunk away. Animal Control officers were unable to capture the skunk after it escaped to a nearby wooded area.
Animal Control officers took the injured kitten for humane euthanasia before testing it for rabies at the Texas Department of Health Laboratory in Austin. Following the test, Copperas Cove Animal Control was notified on Thursday, Sept. 19 that the kitten was “infected” with rabies.
Copperas Cove police released another statement on Wednesday about finding a deceased skunk that tested positive for rabies. The dead skunk was found by a citizen on Monday at the 800 block of Massengale Circle in Copperas Cove.
Animal Control was notified by the Texas Department of Health Laboratory that the skunk was also infected with rabies. The statement does not say whether this was the same skunk that attacked the feral kitten.
Police warn citizens not to approach, touch, or have any contact with wild animals, and to keep their pets from having contact with wild animals. Steps should be taken to safeguard outside areas by covering garbage cans and not leaving pet food outside.
Signs of rabies infection in humans include but are not limited to fever, headaches, fatigue, respiration difficulties, possible paralysis or hyperactivity, and/or coma. In pets, signs of rabies infection may include fever, chewing at site of infection or bite, erratic, behavior, walking aimlessly, restlessness, skin irritability, sensitivity to light, and abnormal aggression.
The state of Texas requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age, according to Texas Health and Human Services. Although not required by law, it is recommended that livestock that have frequent contact with humans to also receive the rabies vaccination.
Copperas Cove police ask citizens to contact Copperas Cove Animal Control at 254-547-5584 if they believe they, their pet, or any other animal or person have had recent contact with a skunk or wild animal in the area. For after hours, contact the Copperas Cove Police Department at 254-547-8222.
In May 2023, the Gatesville Police Department confirmed two cases of rabies in raccoons near the city limits, according to a former press release published on Facebook. No contact with pets or humans were suspected in those cases.
Rabies infection is most common in bats, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Authorities ask anyone who observes a wild animal acting strangely to contact Animal Control immediately.
The number for Gatesville Animal Control is 254-865-2226.
