San Antonio health officials confirmed that a Husky mix owned by a West Side family tested positive for rabies on Aug. 18, marking the first dog case in Bexar County in more than ten years. The animal’s owner said the dog killed a baby skunk near their home inside Loop 1604 in late July, but the incident was not reported to authorities.
Symptoms and exposure response
Weeks after the skunk encounter, the dog began showing concerning behavioral and neurological symptoms, prompting Animal Care Services (ACS) to test the animal. Once the positive result was confirmed, ACS and Metro Health offered rabies post‑exposure treatment to any people or pets that may have been in contact with the dog.
Rabies surge among wildlife
Health officials noted that the rabies case is part of a broader outbreak among wild animals in the San Antonio area. In June and July 2026, Bexar County recorded 22 rabies cases in wildlife, a sharp increase from the two to three cases typically reported during the same period in 2024 and 2025.
Vaccination recommendations
State and city law require that dogs and cats maintain current rabies vaccinations. Officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective protection against the disease. To help curb the spread, San Antonio Animal Care Services will provide free rabies vaccinations to the first 100 pets on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Monterrey Park, 5919 West Commerce St.
What residents should do
- Ensure your pet’s rabies vaccine is up to date.
- If you suspect exposure, seek medical advice promptly.
- Report any wildlife or domestic animal that appears sick or is acting unusually to ACS.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the free‑vaccination clinic and to remain vigilant as the county monitors the ongoing wildlife rabies outbreak.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
