MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — A cow in Prosperity recently tested positive for rabies, and four people exposed to the animal have been referred to medical facilities as a precaution, state health officials said.
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday said 11 other cows may have been in contact with the sick animal. An agency veterinarian is working with Clemson University Livestock and Poultry and Health to determine “appropriate safety response efforts,” DHEC said in a news release.
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The cow was submitted to DHEC’s laboratory for testing on Wednesday and was confirmed to have rabies the next day.
State law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies.
“Keeping your pets and livestock current on their rabies vaccination is a responsibility that comes with owning an animal,” DHEC Rabies Program director Terri McCollister said.
The Prosperity cow is the first animal in Saluda County to test positive for rabies this year, bringing the statewide total to seven. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged 148 rabies cases annually.