A goat found near Stallion Spirit and Rocky Hollow trails in Clover has tested positive for rabies, and four people who were exposed have been referred to their healthcare providers, the South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed.
The department said the goat was submitted to its laboratory for testing on July 2 and confirmed positive for rabies on July 6.
The case is one of two the state announced across separate counties. In Saluda County, a fox found near Country Pond and Cockrell roads in the town of Saluda also tested positive. One person there was exposed and referred to a healthcare provider, and one dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required by the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The Saluda County fox was submitted for testing on July 1 and confirmed positive on July 2.
Why it matters locally
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. Health officials urge York County residents in the Clover area to be alert for unusual animal behavior and to keep distance from wildlife and unfamiliar animals.
Residents who believe they, someone they know, or their pets have come in contact with the goat, the fox, or another animal suspected of having rabies should call the Department of Public Health’s 24 hour rabies reporting line at 888.847.0902 and select option 2.
Vaccination requirements
South Carolina law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated to maintain continuous protection, using a vaccine approved by the Department of Public Health and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
The department also noted that livestock are susceptible to rabies and that all livestock able to receive USDA approved rabies vaccinations should be vaccinated.
Statewide, there have been 57 cases of rabid animals confirmed this year.
Residents can find contact information for local public health offices through the Department of Public Health.
Source
South Carolina Department of Public Health news release.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
