Rabid horse potentially exposes four people in Greenwood, DHEC says

The horse was submitted to DHEC’s laboratory for testing on Friday and was confirmed to have rabies on Monday

A horse found near Thrush Road and Martin Towne Road in Ninety Six, S.C., has tested positive for rabies, according to The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).DHEC said, four people were potentially exposed and have been referred to their health care providers for medical consultation.DHEC said, the horse was submitted to DHEC’s laboratory for testing on Friday and was confirmed to have rabies on Monday.Livestock are susceptible to rabies and all livestock with USDA-approved rabies vaccinations should be vaccinated, DHEC said.Cattle and horses are the most frequently reported infected livestock species, DHEC said.“Keeping your pets and livestock current on their rabies vaccination is a responsibility that comes with owning an animal. It is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family, your pets, and your livestock from this fatal disease. That is an investment worth making to provide yourself some peace of mind,” said Terri McCollister, DHEC’s Rabies Program team leader.DHEC said, if you believe that you, your family members, or your pets have come in contact with this horse or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Greenwood office at (864) 227-5915 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).

GREENWOOD, S.C. —

A horse found near Thrush Road and Martin Towne Road in Ninety Six, S.C., has tested positive for rabies, according to The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

DHEC said, four people were potentially exposed and have been referred to their health care providers for medical consultation.

DHEC said, the horse was submitted to DHEC’s laboratory for testing on Friday and was confirmed to have rabies on Monday.

Livestock are susceptible to rabies and all livestock with USDA-approved rabies vaccinations should be vaccinated, DHEC said.

Cattle and horses are the most frequently reported infected livestock species, DHEC said.

“Keeping your pets and livestock current on their rabies vaccination is a responsibility that comes with owning an animal. It is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family, your pets, and your livestock from this fatal disease. That is an investment worth making to provide yourself some peace of mind,” said Terri McCollister, DHEC’s Rabies Program team leader.

DHEC said, if you believe that you, your family members, or your pets have come in contact with this horse or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Greenwood office at (864) 227-5915 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).