Rabies In Texas
05/10/04

Rabies is a viral disease that infects the brain causing severe tissue damage and eventual death in almost 100% of cases.  Its reservoir is wildlife species such as bats, skunks, raccoons, and wild canids such as fox and coyote, but any mammal can contract the disease.  Texas certainly has its share of these reservoir species and a long history of rabies cases both in wildlife and humans.

Texas had a sharp rise of rabies cases in coyote and fox during the late 80’s.  Humans are 5 to 10 times more likely to get rabies from a domestic pet than from wildlife.  However, fox and coyote can readily transmit the disease to our domestic pets.  In the mid 90’s our health department instituted the largest wildlife vaccination program ever attempted.  Specially prepared, baited oral vaccines were dropped from planes in a 60 miles wide strip all the way across south and west Texas.  The program continues to this day and appears to be successful.  The number of rabies cases across the state has fallen once again.  However, the disease is still out there and continues to be a threat to both us and our pets.

The laws concerning rabies vaccination of our pets changed in Texas in March of 2003.  Ironically, they have become less stringent.  Puppies and kittens must receive an initial booster at approximately four months of age followed by a second booster one year later.  Our adult dogs and cats can then receive boosters every three years as long as a three year approved vaccine is used by the veterinarian.  At D.S. Animal Hospital cats receive a one year approved rabies vaccine annually because we feel it is less likely to cause a serious kind of subcutaneous tumor called a fibrosarcoma.  Dogs receive a three year approved vaccine either every two years or three years.  We feel it is important that you and your veterinarian discuss each case individually and determine an overall vaccination protocol that best suits each animal.

Rabies is still lurking out there but has been brought under control through the efforts of dedicated health professionals and conscientious pet owners who take good care of their four legged family members.