What to know as rabies cases rise in San Antonio

• The dog's owner said the pet killed a skunk weeks before it tested positive for rabies.

By the numbers: San Antonio is currently seeing an outbreak of rabies in wild animals, including skunks, raccoons and foxes. There have been at least 22 reported cases this June and July, compared to just two to three cases reported over each of the same months in 2024 and 2025, per the city.

Officials with the city's Animal Care Services and Metro Health recommend:

• Keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.
• Not allowing dogs to roam freely.
• Not feeding, touching or handling wildlife or unknown animals.
• Confining a pet that may have encountered wildlife.
• Immediately washing the affected area thoroughly if you are bitten or scratched by a potentially infected animal.

The bottom line: After a potential exposure to rabies, seek prompt medical evaluation and treatment. The viral disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.