The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed recently that a skunk and two raccoons have tested positive for rabies in separate incidents.
In Anderson County, the skunk that tested positive for rabies was found near Joyce Road and Ross Road in Liberty. Two cows were exposed and the investigation is ongoing.
In Charleston County, the raccoon that tested positive for rabies was found near Hale Street and Cornish Avenue, in Charleston. One person was exposed and was referred to their health care provider.
In Spartanburg County, the raccoon that tested positive for rabies was found near Virginia Avenue and Green Acres Street in Lyman. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
Rabies is naturally present in wild animal populations in South Carolina. The current law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated at a frequency to provide continuous protection of the pet from rabies using a vaccine approved by the department and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Livestock are susceptible to rabies and all livestock for which there are USDA-approved rabies vaccinations should be vaccinated. Cattle and horses are the most frequently reported infected livestock species. Species for which licensed vaccines are not available (goat and swine), that have frequent contact with humans, or are considered valuable, should also be vaccinated. Contact your local livestock veterinarian to learn more.
Contact information for local Public Health offices is available at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. For more information on rabies visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.
