Rabid raccoon confirmed in Clarendon County, four pets exposed

CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed that a raccoon found near White Oak Drive and Comstock Lane in Manning has tested positive for rabies.

DHEC says no people are known to have been exposed at this time.

However, four dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control 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.

“Keeping your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccination is the easiest way to protect you and your family from this deadly virus. Any mammal has the ability to carry and transmit the disease to people or pets. Therefore, give wild and stray animals plenty of space,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director.

The raccoon is the first animal in Clarendon County to test positive for rabies in 2024 and there have been 35 cases of rabid animals statewide this year.

Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 148 positive cases a year and in 2023, none of the 78 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Clarendon County, says DHEC.

In South Carolina, rabies is most often found in wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but pets are just as susceptible to the virus.

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 officer, or a wildlife rehabilitator.

If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this raccoon or another animal that potentially has rabies, call DHEC’s Public Health Conway office at (843) 915-8801 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).