Texas Porch

Wildlife / Sick or strange animals

Wildlife diseases.

A big reason for 'look, don't touch': wild animals can carry diseases. Never handle sick or dead wildlife, and report unusual die-offs to TPWD.

Rabies

Rabies is carried most often by bats, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons - the same group covered by Texas transport limits. A sudden change in behavior, unusual tameness or aggression, staggering, or drooling can be warning signs, but you cannot diagnose rabies by watching. Never touch a wild mammal acting strangely. After a bite or scratch, wash the wound with soap and water, seek medical care promptly, and report it to local animal control or the health department. Call a veterinarian about pet exposure. Rabies is almost always fatal after symptoms start, but prompt post-exposure treatment can prevent it. A bat found with a sleeping person or unattended child also needs a call to local health officials.

New World Screwworm

This fly's larvae feed in wounds on living warm-blooded animals. Texas confirmed its first current outbreak case on June 3, 2026, and the response, affected counties, and animal-movement rules can change quickly. If you see maggots on a live animal, report it right away: contact TPWD or a local wildlife biologist for native wildlife at (512) 389-4505, or the Texas Animal Health Commission for livestock and pets at (800) 550-8242. Check TAHC's live page before moving animals from an affected area.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Affects deer and elk - and in Texas, exotic cervids like red deer and sika deer too. Don't handle deer that look sick or act strangely; hunters should follow TPWD's CWD rules (see the Hunting hub).

Bird flu (avian influenza)

Can kill wild birds, especially waterfowl. Don't handle sick or dead birds, keep pets away, and report large bird die-offs to your local TPWD wildlife biologist.

White-nose syndrome

A fungus that kills bats (it doesn't infect people). If you explore caves, clean and decontaminate your gear to avoid spreading it.

Keep going

Around the house

The bat-in-a-bedroom rule.

Get it handled ->

Predators

Rabies-vector animals.

Stay safe ->

A baby or hurt animal

Why not to handle it.

What to do ->

Wildlife hub

Back to the main guide.

Open the hub ->

Official sources

Rabies guidance comes from Texas DSHS; wildlife-disease and screwworm information comes from TPWD. If a person or pet is bitten or scratched, see a doctor right away.

Data vintage:
Wildlife-disease info as reviewed July 2026
Last reviewed:
July 10, 2026

Before you act: Screwworm and other disease situations change fast. The official pages are the final word - and for any rabies exposure, see a doctor immediately. How to use Texas Porch carefully.

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