Rabid Animals in Texas

Numerous cases reported this year

The rabies virus is present in the state of Texas year round. A rabid opossum found recently was the 25th case in the state for the year 2019. According to the State Department of Health Services, 21 bats, one skunk and three “others” from Hays County have tested positive for the deadly viral disease. Although this time it was an opossum, the species most likely to be carrying the virus in Texas is bats. Hays county, where the new rabies case was reported, has a high population of bats.

The University of Texas had to pay almost $15,000 for the removal of raccoons from its music building and recital hall earlier this year. The raccoons were able to gain access into the building via gaps and vents. The building where the raccoons were removed from is home to the Longhorn band. The school was able to have help sealing off pipes, gates and other gaps in the foundation to prevent this from happening in the future.

For information on opossum removal and raccoon removal, visit The Critter Team.

Rabid possum marks 25th case this year

The rabid raccoon discovered in a front yard in Dripping Springs the week of Thanksgiving was just one of 25 animals with the disease found in the county so far this year.

According to a report from the State Department of Health Services, so far this year, 21 bats, one skunk and three “others” from Hays County have tested positive for the deadly viral disease.

Defined by the Centers for Disease Control rabies is a “fatal, but preventable” disease transmitted primarily through the saliva of infected animals, as in a bite. See more

Summary: A rabid opossum found recently was the 25th case in the state for the year 2019. According to the State Department of Health Services, 21 bats, one skunk and three “others” from Hays County have tested positive for rabies.

UT spends nearly $15,000 removing raccoons from music school

The University of Texas had some unwelcome visitors earlier this fall.

Purchase order records obtained by the American-Statesman show UT spent $14,641 this month for the trapping and removal of raccoons from the Music Building and Recital Hall, which houses UT’s Butler School of Music and the Longhorn Band.

Using wire-mesh “hog panels,” concrete, and mechanical fasteners, pest control workers sealed pipes, gates and other openings in the foundation of the MRH building where raccoons had been able to enter the basement.

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Summary: UT had to pay almost $15,000 to remove raccoons from their music school. The raccoons gained entry to the building via vents and other gaps.