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Statewide Wild Animal Transport Restrictions
Rabies in Texas is an
ongoing state health emergency. Therefore, according to the Rabies Control and
Eradication Administrative Code*, it is illegal for a person to transport
certain animals that are high risk for transmitting rabies, including coyotes,
species of foxes indigenous to North America, and raccoons, to, from, or within
the state. A violation of this law is a Class C misdemeanor. The following
individuals are exempt from this restriction and can transport animals included
in the statewide rabies quarantine only when such transport is part of their
official duty:
- peace officers
- individuals hired or contracted by state or federal agencies or local
governments
- employees of zoos or other institutions accredited by the American
Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums
If transporting for
release, the animal must be released within a 10-mile radius or within 10 miles
of the city limits of where it was originally captured. Special provisions have
been provided for raccoons:
- In addition to the list of exempt persons cited above, the following
individuals can also transport raccoons: rehabilitators and
educators permitted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and
pest control operators licensed by the Structural Pest Control Board.
(Except for educators, transport by these individuals is restricted to within a
10-mile radius or within 10 miles of the city limits of where the animal was
originally captured.)
- Rehabilitation is allowed.
For additional information on the
statewide rabies quarantine, contact your local Zoonosis Control Group office.
* Rabies Control and Eradication (Chapter 169, Administrative Code), Rules
of the Board of Health for the Rabies Control Act (Chapter 826, Texas Health and
Safety Code).
Texas Department of State Health Services - Infectious Disease
Control Unit
1100 West 49th Street, Suite T801, Mail Code: 1960 PO BOX
149347 - Austin, TX 78714-9347
(512) 458-7676 - Fax: (512) 458-7616 -
E-Mail
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