DHEC Rabies Vaccination Clinics set

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is collaborating with participating veterinarians across the state to help residents protect their pets and themselves against rabies. Participating veterinarians will be conducting rabies clinics to vaccinate dogs, cats and ferrets against this fatal disease. Vaccination fees in these clinics will not exceed $10 per pet. Rabies is a threat to pets and humans, so all pet owners should have their dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated as required by state law. Wild animals carry the disease most often, but domestic pets can contract rabies as well. The disease is fatal once the virus reaches the brain. Each year nearly 275 South Carolinians are recommended to undergo preventive treatment after being bitten by a rabid or suspected rabid animal. In 2013, there were 124 positive cases of rabies confirmed in animals in the state: 68 raccoons, 26 foxes, 17 skunks, 6 cats, 5 bats and 2 dogs. For dates, times and locations of DHEC-sponsored rabies vaccination clinics and additional information on rabies, visit the agency’s website at www.scdhec.goc/rabies.