FLORENCE, S.C. (WMBF) – Four pets were recently exposed to a rabid raccoon in the Pee Dee, according to state health officials.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health said the raccoon was found in the area of Albany Road and Chester Road in Coward. It was tested on Feb. 6 and was confirmed to be rabid two days later.
The agency added that four dogs were exposed and will be quarantined in compliance with the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
No human exposures were reported.
“Keeping your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination is the easiest way to protect you and your family from this deadly virus,” said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program director. “Any mammal has the ability to carry and transmit the disease to people or pets. Therefore, give wild and stray animals plenty of space.”
DPH officials said the raccoon is the first animal in Florence Coutny to test positive for rabies so far this year, and the sixth statewide.
Those who may have been exposed or may have pets who were exposed to the raccoon are asked to call the DPH Conway office at 843-915-8801.
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