Rabid Skunk in Buda Prompts Warning as Hays County Sees Uptick in Rabies Cases

Health officials urge residents to vaccinate pets and avoid wildlife after increase in rabies cases, mostly involving foxes.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After a skunk in Buda tested positive for rabies, the Hays County Health Department is encouraging community members to stay alert as the county has seen a recent uptick in rabies cases, particularly among wildlife like foxes. Local veterinarians warn that rabies is 100% deadly if not treated immediately, and they stress the importance of pet vaccination and avoiding contact with aggressive or abnormal-behaving animals.

Why it matters

Rabies outbreaks can pose a serious public health risk, especially in areas with high wildlife populations. The increase in rabies cases in Hays County highlights the need for proactive measures to protect both people and pets from potential exposure.

The details

According to the Hays County Health Department, the majority of recent rabies cases have involved foxes, with many citizens reporting encounters with aggressive, rabid foxes while hiking or jogging. Health officials say the best way to stay protected is by ensuring pets are vaccinated against rabies and avoiding contact with wild animals that appear aggressive or behave unusually.

  • On February 26, 2026, a skunk in Buda tested positive for rabies.
  • The Hays County Health Department has seen a recent uptick in rabies cases over the past year.

The players

Hays County Health Department

The local public health agency responsible for monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks in Hays County, Texas.

Lauren Foy

The executive director of Prevent a Litter (PALS) of Central Texas, a local organization partnering with the Hays County Health Department to help keep people and pets safe.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There have been many citizens this last year who have had encounters with rabid foxes while they're hiking in our nature center areas. Joggers are having foxes literally run up to them and bite them and attack them.”

— Lauren Foy, Executive Director, Prevent a Litter (PALS) of Central Texas (KXAN)

“It is 100% deadly if you contract it and you are not treated right away. Once you show symptoms of having rabies, it's ten days before death. That includes animals. There's an incubation period, between one month to up to three months and even a little bit longer. But once you do show the symptoms, you do have 10 days before you die.”

— Lauren Foy, Executive Director, Prevent a Litter (PALS) of Central Texas (KXAN)

What’s next

A low-cost vaccines and preventives clinic will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hays AgriLife Extension Office. The event is hosted by PALS, the Hays County Health Department, and Hays County Precinct Three Commissioner Morgan Hammer.

The takeaway

This rabies outbreak in Hays County highlights the importance of pet vaccination and avoiding contact with potentially rabid wildlife. By taking proactive measures, residents can help protect themselves, their pets, and their community from the serious health risks posed by this deadly disease.