TWO POSITIVE RABIES CASES SO FAR IN 2019 IN WASHINGTON CO.
State health officials have confirmed a pair of rabies cases since the start of 2019 in Washington County.
(courtesy Texas Department of State Health Services)
According to figures from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), 100 cases of rabies were found from January 1st to June 30th in Region 7, which includes Washington County. Two of those cases were confirmed in Washington County, in skunks.
In the department’s second quarter report, it said 161 animal rabies investigations were conducted within the 30 counties making up Region 7. Those investigations were conducted by zoonosis control staff and local animal control officers.
Of the 161 investigations, 61 non-negative (decomposed or destroyed) animal cases were investigated. The report noted 22 people and 111 animals were exposed or potentially exposed to these positive and non-negative animals.
Region 7 extends as far east as Madison County and as far west as San Saba County, with the northern and southern borders of the region being Hill and Fayette Counties, respectively.
According to DSHS figures, there were no confirmed rabies cases in Washington County in 2018. However, there were three in both 2017 and 2016. 2017’s cases were two skunks and a cow, while the cases in 2016 included a skunk and two bats.
The City of Brenham’s animal ordinance requires dog and cat rabies vaccinations once a year. State law requires vaccinations once every three years.
Click here to view the second quarter report.