Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Downtown Austin

AUSTIN, TX — A raccoon found downtown tested positive for rabies, officials said on Friday.

As a result of the positive test, Austin Animal Services and Austin Public Health are asking the community to be alert and take precautionary measures with wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, coyotes, foxes and bats after a recent confirmed case of rabies.

On Wednesday at around 6:30 a.m., an Animal Protection Officer responded to a call outside of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Austin after a dog was attacked by the animal before it was killed, officials said in an email.

The raccoon carcass was then picked up for rabies testing with the Texas Department of State Health Services, as per standard protocol involving any domestic animal or human interaction with wildlife that breaks the skin, officials explained. After the positive result for rabies, the dog's owner — a Hurricane Laura evacuee, officials noted — was contacted.

Officials said they now are canvassing the area to determine if any other people or pets may have had contact with the raccoon, or if any other wildlife have been observed acting in an unusual manner, such as turning in circles, twitching or foaming at the mouth.

If a person or pet is bitten by a wild animal, Animal Protection should be called immediately by dialing 3-1-1 or (512) 974-5000. The victim should also contact a physician or veterinarian immediately.

Animal Services offers tips to protect pets and family from exposure to wild animals:

• Vaccinate your dogs and cats as well as livestock.
• Restrain your pets. Do not allow them to roam freely in public.
• Avoid contact with wild animals and unknown dogs and cats.
• Do not touch sick or injured animals.
• If your pet is bitten, scratched or in a fight with any animal, call 3-1-1 or 512-974-5000.

Any contact with these high-risk wild animals or any sign of sick or dead wildlife should also be reported to 3-1-1 or (512) 974-5000. For more information, visit the Austin Animal Center website.

About the Animal Services Office

The Animal Services Office operates the Austin Animal Center, and is home to the largest No Kill community in the United States. The center provides shelter to more than 17,000 animals annually, with dual goals of providing a safe place for lost and homeless animals and to educate the community in order to prevent animal homelessness and promote compassionate treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.