Llano police hosting rabies prevention courses after pet crosses rabid raccoon
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A rabid raccoon came into contact with a family pet recently in Llano, resulting in a 90-day quarantine for the dog and launching a rabies prevention and awareness effort by Llano Police Department.
By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer •
Llano police officials will host a series of rabies prevention courses after a second wild animal this year has tested positive for the potentially fatal disease; the latest case resulted in a family pet being quarantined for 90 days due to coming into contact with the animal.
On Aug. 14, Llano Police Department responded to a call of a suspicious-acting raccoon at a residence in the 200 block of West Ellis Street in Llano.
“A resident called. It was in the back yard,” Llano Police Officer Kenneth Poe said. “It did come in contact with the dog.” Since the pet did not have updated shots a quarantine period is required by the state to ensure the animal is not infected.
Authorities say rabies reports are typical in the rural areas of the county but not so much within the city limits, which raises some concerns locally. A wild fox also tested positive for rabies this year in an area of the Llano River.
“Sometime after a rain, maybe their home got flooded or its too dry, and they're looking moisture or a meal,” Poe said. “I'm encouraging everybody to make sure they get their pet's rabies shots or the booster.”
To raise awareness and offer preventative measures to residents, Llano police and the Department of Health – Temple is hosting day-long courses which are free to the public.
The Rabies Awareness events are from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 28 and 29 at the Llano County Community Center, 2249 Ranch to Market Road 152 in Llano.
To find out more, call Llano PD at 325-247-3028 or the Texas Department of State Health Services at 254-778-6744.
