What You Need To Know About Rabies In Copperas Cove

Raccoons are cute and smart, but they also carry rabies. Copperas Cove residents are on alert after a rabid raccoon this past week.

Rabies Alert: Copperas Cove Officials Warn Residents After Positive Raccoon Test

Health officials in Copperas Cove are urging the community to exercise extreme caution following the confirmation of a rabies-positive raccoon found in a residential neighborhood. According to KCEN, Copperas Cove Animal Control has issued a public health advisory for anyone who may have come into contact with wildlife in the area.

The Incident on Skyline Drive

The investigation began on Monday evening when animal control officers were called to Skyline Drive to handle a report of an injured raccoon. When the officers got to the scene, they found a sick raccoon that was later euthanized. On Thursday, the Texas Department of Health confirmed that the animal was infected with the rabies virus when it was killed.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal if left untreated. While commonly associated with bats and skunks, it is frequently found in raccoons, coyotes, and foxes. Officials have provided a checklist of symptoms to identify potential exposure.

In Pets:

Unnatural aggression or erratic behavior.

Chewing at a specific bite site or sensitivity to light.

Walking aimlessly, general restlessness, or "frothing" at the mouth.

In Humans:

Initial symptoms like fever, headaches, and fatigue.

Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Advanced signs such as hyperactivity, paralysis, or confusion.

How to Stay Safe

The best defense against rabies is avoidance.Do not approach or touch wild animals, regardless of whether they appear injured or friendly. To safeguard your property, ensure that garbage containers are tightly secured and avoid leaving pet food outdoors, as these attract scavengers.

How to Report Suspected Rabies Cases

If you suspect that you or your pet has interacted with a wild animal, contact a medical professional or veterinarian immediately. Strange animal behavior should be reported to Copperas Cove Animal Control at (254) 547-5584. For reports after 5:00 p.m., residents are encouraged to contact the Copperas Cove Police Department at (254) 547-8222.

Animals in Which Rabies is Most Commonly Found

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in North America rabies is most commonly found in bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and mongoose. It is also found in cats, cattle, and dogs. The CDC says that rabid bats have been found in every state except for Hawaii. Rabid mongoose have been found in Puerto Rico.

Rabies is easily transmitted from animals to other animals, including human beings. Human cases are rare in the United States, but deadly if not caught in time.

Gallery Credit: Kristine Bellino

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