BARC's officers want to help you and to respond as promptly as possible. However, due to the volume of requests, we are not always able to respond as quickly as we would like. Calls are prioritized according to the danger to humans, pets and property. Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system. The virus can infect animals, which in turn, can transmit the virus to people by biting or scratching.
Rabies is fatal to both animals and humans.
A person who has been infected with the virus, but who has not yet developed symptoms, may be treated. There is no treatment once an animal or person exhibits symptoms. All warm blooded mammals including humans are susceptible to rabies. In Texas, rabies is present in many wild animal populations, especially skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes. Domestic dogs, cats and livestock usually acquire rabies from wild animals.