An animal in Erath County recently tested positive for rabies according to information released by the Erath County Sheriff’s Office.
Oct. 1 deputies from ECSO received information from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that an animal had tested positive for the rabies virus in Erath County.
The animal in question resided in the area of FM 8 north of Lingleville near County road 401. At this time there is no concern for public safety.
If you live within this area, please monitor your animals and contact your vet immediately if you notice any changes with your animals.
The rabies virus is spread through saliva. Your animals do not have to be bitten by an infected animal to spread the virus.
Per the health and safety code: Sec. 826.021. VACCINATION OF DOGS AND CATS REQUIRED.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by department rule, the owner of a dog or cat shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies by the time the animal is four months of age and at regular intervals thereafter as prescribed by department rule.
Sec. 826.022. VA C C I N A T I O N ; CRIMINAL PENALTY.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person fails or refuses to have each dog or cat owned by the person vaccinated against rabies and the animal is required to be vaccinated under: (1) Section 826.021 and department rules; or (2) ordinances or rules adopted under this chapter by a county or municipality within whose jurisdiction the act occurs.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(c) If on the trial of an offense under this section the court finds that the person has been previously convicted of an offense under this section, the offense is a Class B misdemeanor.