In April 2025, a usually peaceful horse barn in Comfort, Texas, turned into a scene straight out of a western showdown. A rabid raccoon wandered into a stall, where it met its match—a 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) horse who was not in the mood for visitors.
The horse managed to kill the raccoon, but not without raising serious alarms. Animal control was called, and the raccoon’s body was sent off to the San Antonio Metro Health Lab. Test results came back positive for rabies, making it Kendall County’s first confirmed case of the year. As a precaution, the heroic horse was placed under a mandatory 90-day isolation and monitored daily for any signs of infection.
Understanding Rabies and Its Risks
Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, leading to symptoms like aggression, paralysis, and, if untreated, death. It’s primarily spread through the saliva of infected animals—usually through bites.
In this case, the concern wasn’t just about the horse killing the raccoon; it was whether the raccoon managed to bite or even scratch the horse before it met its end. Even tiny, unnoticed wounds can become a deadly problem with rabies. That’s why authorities take no chances and order isolation even if there’s just a possibility of exposure.
Rabies vaccinations exist for horses, as well as dogs and cats. However, a booster shot is often recommended immediately after any potential exposure.
Another Rabid Raccoon Raises Red Flags
Just two days after the Comfort raccoon incident, another rabid raccoon was found and euthanized in nearby Boerne, Texas—only about 32 kilometers (20 miles) away. Thankfully, no humans or other animals were directly exposed in that second case. Still, officials imposed a 45-day quarantine for any vaccinated pets or livestock that might have crossed paths with the infected animal.
Officials stressed that while two cases close together are concerning, they don’t necessarily point to a full-blown outbreak. In rural areas, especially during spring when wildlife becomes more active, random rabies cases are unfortunately part of the landscape.
Staying Safe Around Wildlife
The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office and local animal control remind residents to take common-sense precautions:
- Vaccinate your pets and livestock against rabies every year.
- Avoid approaching or handling any wild animals, even if they seem friendly or lethargic.
- Report any suspicious animal behavior to local authorities immediately.
- If you or your animals have direct contact with a wild animal, seek veterinary or medical help at once.
It’s a good reminder that nature doesn’t always play nice—even in a quiet Texas barn.
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