A rabid skunk has been captured in Goliad County, and The Bee County Health Department is warning pet owners to have their cats and dogs vaccinated.

Dennis DeWitt, director of the health department, shared the news with commissioners earlier this week.

A veterinarian with the Texas Department of State Health Services also is warning local officials that a case of rabies in a skunk was confirmed in Goliad County on Aug. 12.

City of Beeville Senior Animal Control Officer Johnny Carabajal said this week that he was notified that a rabid skunk was found in southern Goliad County within five miles of the Bee and Refugio county lines.

“Although skunks are the most commonly reported rabid terrestrial animal in Texas, skunk rabies has not been reported in Region 11 since 1989, when cases were reported in Bee, Live Oak and Refugio counties,” said Dr. Laura Robinson.

“Rabid skunks are frequently found in yards or pens with dogs, resulting in exposed pets. Skunks have also transmitted rabies to cats, horses, cattle and other domestic animals,” Robinson said.

State health officials are urging all pet owners to have their animals vaccinated against the disease as soon as possible and to keep the vaccinations current.

“Animal control agencies, local health department and veterinarians in Bee, Refugio, Aransas, Live Oak and San Patricio counties should increase awareness about skunk rabies in their communities. Any skunks that are exhibiting signs consistent with rabies should be submitted for testing to the DSHS Laboratory,” Robinson said.

State officials are contacting county judges, local health departments, animal control officers, veterinarians and other public health colleagues in Bee, Refugio, Aransas, San Patricio, Live Oak, McMullen, Duval, Jim Wells, Nueces and Kleberg counties of the threat.

Dennis DeWitt, public health officer for Bee County, shared the news with Bee County commissioners earlier this week.

The message he is sharing with the public: “It’s really important that people get their pets vaccinated. Even though the infected skunk was found in Goliad County, it means rabbies are in our area.”

Robinson offered the following tips for protecting your pets and family from the disease:

•Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats or ferrets against rabies and keep the vaccinations up to date.

•Call your doctor and your local health department for advice if an animal bites or scratches you. Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water and report the incident immediately.

•Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals and be cautious of stray dogs and cats. Rabid animals do not always appear ill or vicious.

•Teach children to leave wildlife alone. Be sure your children know to tell you if an animal bites or scratches them.

•Tightly close garbage cans. Open trash attracts wild or stray animals to your home or yard.

•Feed pets indoors; never leave pet food outside as this attracts wildlife.

•Keep pet doors secured at night and do not place your pet’s food bowls near the pet door.

•Don’t relocate wild animals. This can cause rabies to spread quickly to new areas. Homeowners should not transport and release animals.

Skunks, raccoons, foxes and bats are considered high-risk species for rabies transmission in Texas. Anyone who sees one of those animals active during the day or any animal that appears to be sick, fearless or aggressive should contact the local animal control office.

High-risk animals that have had contact with domestic animals or people should be submitted for rabies testing as soon as possible.

All warm-blooded animals, including humans, are susceptible to the deadly viral disease. People become infected with the virus if they are bitten by an animal that has the disease.

Only a series of post-exposure shots, if given in time, can prevent rabies from developing.

Pet owners and veterinarians are reminded that all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies by the time they are 16 weeks of age. All other domestic animals should also be vaccinated regularly.