Rabid skunk exposed 2 cats, 2 dogs to deadly virus. SC officials urge pet vaccinations

Two dogs and two cats were exposed to a rabid skunk in York County, the South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed in a news release.

A skunk found near Sherer and Jack Wilson roads in Sharon was submitted for laboratory testing Nov. 21 and tested positive for rabies Nov. 22.

The four pets exposed will be quarantined, which is required +by the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. No people are known to have been exposed at this time.

The Palmetto State has seen at least 75 cases of rabid animals statewide this year, five of which were in York County. Last year, there were 78 confirmed cases on rabies statewide. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 148 positive cases a year.

Officials said administering vaccinations is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect animals against the disease.

State law requires owners to keep dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated using a treatment approved by DPH and licensed by the United State Department of Agriculture. Livestock animals susceptible to rabies should also be vaccinated. Rabies infections in cattle and horses are more frequent than other livestock.

If someone believes they may have been exposed to the skunk or another potentially rabid animal, officials ask them to call the Rock Hill office at 803-909-7096.

“To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space,” Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, said in a news release. “If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator, or a wildlife rehabilitator.”

For more information on rabies visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.

Alexa Jurado

The State

Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.