City officials say a raccoon that was killed by a dog Wednesday morning outside a Downtown Austin hotel has tested positive for rabies, Your Content can report.
The raccoon was picked up by an Animal Protection officer and submitted for rabies testing with the Texas Department of State Health Services, reports CBS Austin, noting it is standard protocol involving any domestic animal or human interaction with wildlife that breaks the skin.
The raccoon has tested positive for the rabies virus, the Animal Services office said.
FOX Austin reports that the pet owner, an evacuee from Hurricane Laura, has been contacted and that animal protection officers are now canvassing the area to find out if other people or pets have had contact with the raccoon, or if any other wildlife has been seen acting in an unusual manner, such as turning in circles, twitching or foaming at the mouth.
If a person or pet is bitten by a wild animal, Animal Protection should be called immediately by dialing 3-1-1 or 512-974-5000 and a physician or veterinarian should be contacted immediately.
If a pet is bitten, scratched, or in a fight with any animal, owners are instructed to call 3-1-1 or 512-974-5000. Any contact with these high-risk wild animals or any sign of sick or dead wildlife should also be reported.
For more information on rabies protection, click here.