FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 22, 2018

Save the Date to Vaccinate Your Pet(s)

DHEC-sponsored rabies vaccination clinics

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Veterinarians across South Carolina are joining forces with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) this spring to help owners protect themselves, families, communities, and pets against rabies.

As required by state law, all pet owners must vaccinate their dogs, cats, and ferrets.

"Participating veterinarians will vaccinate dogs, cats, and ferrets during the spring clinics," said David Vaughan, director of DHEC's Division of Onsite Wastewater, Rabies Prevention, and Enforcement. "Rabies vaccination fees may vary by clinic site."

Local veterinarians offer vaccines year-round, but the spring clinics help raise awareness about rabies while providing convenience to pet owners. The support from local veterinarians during the spring clinics provides a valuable public service to our citizens.

While not required by state law, DHEC strongly recommends that owners vaccinate all horses, any livestock that has frequent contact with humans, any livestock that is particularly valuable, or animals used for raw milk or raw milk product production.

Hundreds of South Carolinians must undergo preventive treatment for rabies every year due to exposure to a rabid or suspected rabid animal. Although the cost varies, post-exposure treatment typically exceeds $8,000 per person.

"Rabies is a threat to pets, livestock, wild animals, and humans. Pet owners must stay vigilant and keep their pets' vaccinations up-to-date," said Vaughan. Keeping your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family, and your pets from this fatal disease.

In 2017, there were 63 positive cases of rabies confirmed in animals across the state, including 29 raccoons, 13 skunks, 6 foxes, 6 cats, 4 bats, 2 coyotes, 1 dog, 1 goat, and 1 groundhog. In total, 26 of South Carolina's 46 counties had a laboratory-confirmed positive rabies case last year. Positive rabies cases have been reported in every county in our state since the statewide program began.

Spring clinic dates, times, and locations can be found on DHEC's website at www.scdhec.gov/Rabies/Clinics.

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DHEC Media Relations
media@dhec.sc.gov
(803) 898-7769