A case of rabies was reported in Runge Dec. 25 and Karnes County officials are urging area residents to keep an eye out for suspicious animals while vaccinating their own pets.

A skunk was shot to death by a property owner last Christmas after it entered a dog pen and attacked two puppies. The animal later tested positive for rabies and the two puppies, along with six other dogs on the property that had not been vaccinated, were put down.

"We have rabies in the county. Skunks seem to get it the easiest," Karnes County Agriculture Extension Agent Dennis Hale said. "That’s why people need to get (pets) vaccinated. In the country environment, we’re exposed to it a lot more."

Hale said one of the signs to look for in an animal is abnormal behavior — especially nocturnal animals like skunks that come out during the day.

Animals that behave outside the norm should be suspect for rabies. Increased aggression and foaming at the mouth only set in during the later stages of rabies infection and abnormal behavior signs can help animal owners spot potential infections before they become a danger.

County Animal Control Officer Karen Hale said responsible pet owners in the county should have their animals vaccinated not only to protect their pets, but also to protect other people around them.

"It’s very important. It protects you in case your dog bites somebody and it protects the dog in case it gets bit by something," she said.