Rabies Quarantine

Texas is under a statewide rabies quarantine (Title 25, Section 169.34 of the Texas Administrative Code). Therefore, it is illegal to transport species of foxes indigenous to North America, coyotes, or raccoons from, to, or within the State of Texas. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor. However, film companies wishing to transport animals subject to the Texas statewide rabies quarantine from, into, or within Texas may do so if the responsibility for transportation is assumed by a legally exempt group, such as a zoo or other institution accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.

According to the Statewide Fur-bearing Animal Proclamation (Title 31, Section 65.378 of the Texas Administrative Code), fur-bearing animals cannot be imported into Texas unless accompanied by a permit issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; a health certificate signed by a veterinarian accredited in the state of origin; and, if the animal is a fox, raccoon, or skunk, a signed letter of authorization from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The DSHS is willing to work on a case-by-case basis pertaining to movement of skunks. Given that movement of foxes indigenous to North America and raccoons is prohibited as described in the first paragraph, a letter from DSHS authorizing movement will only be issued to an entity exempted from the statewide rabies quarantine, e.g. a zoo or other institution accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.

Further Information
For more information, please contact:

Department of State Health Services
Zoonosis Control Division
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 458-7255
www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/zoonosis/