Picture: Division of Well being and Environmental Management (DHEC)
Picture: Division of Well being and Environmental Management (DHEC)
CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina Division of Well being and Environmental Management (DHEC) confirmed {that a} raccoon discovered close to White Oak Drive and Comstock Lane in Manning has examined optimistic for rabies.
DHEC says no individuals are recognized to have been uncovered right now.
Nevertheless, 4 canines have been uncovered and will likely be quarantined as required within the South Carolina Rabies Management Act.
The raccoon was submitted to DHEC’s laboratory for testing on Thursday, June 13, and was confirmed to have rabies on Friday, June 14.
“Maintaining your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccination is the simplest approach to defend you and your loved ones from this lethal virus. Any mammal has the power to hold and transmit the illness to individuals or pets. Due to this fact, give wild and stray animals loads of area,” stated Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director.
The raccoon is the primary animal in Clarendon County to check optimistic for rabies in 2024 and there have been 35 instances of rabid animals statewide this yr.
Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged roughly 148 optimistic instances a yr and in 2023, not one of the 78 confirmed rabies instances in South Carolina have been in Clarendon County, says DHEC.
In South Carolina, rabies is most frequently present in wildlife reminiscent of raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, however pets are simply as inclined to the virus.
In case you see an animal in want, keep away from touching it and make contact with somebody skilled in dealing with animals, reminiscent of your native animal management officer, wildlife management officer, or a wildlife rehabilitator.
In case you imagine you, somebody you realize, or your pets have are available in contact with this raccoon or one other animal that probably has rabies, name DHEC’s Public Well being Conway workplace at (843) 915-8801 throughout regular enterprise hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Choose Choice 2).