World Rabies Day Highlights Importance of Vaccination for Pets and Families

FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — On September 28, World Rabies Day, animal health professionals stress the importance of vaccinating pets to protect both animals and humans from rabies, a viral disease primarily affecting the central nervous system. The disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear and is often spread through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites, or through contact with open wounds or mucous membranes.

Terri McCollister, rabies prevention program manager with the South Carolina Department of Public Health, emphasized that rabies is an urgency, not an emergency. She urged anyone who suspects they or their pet have been exposed to rabies to contact health or animal-control officials promptly. The time between exposure and the onset of symptoms varies significantly; for humans, the incubation period is typically two to three months but can range from one week to a year. In animals, the timeline also varies, highlighting the necessity of taking any potential exposure seriously.

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, the state sees an average of 136 positive rabies cases each year, with four cases reported in Florence County and three in Marion County last year. Wildlife, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, are the most common sources of rabies exposure, though unvaccinated pets can also become infected after contact with rabid animals.

Vaccination is especially important for pets that roam outdoors, as they have increased chances of encountering wild animals. McCollister noted that outdoor pets, such as hunting dogs or cats, should typically receive yearly vaccinations.

Stephanie Moore, director of operations at Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Florence, highlighted that rabies vaccination is vital not only for pets but also for protecting families. The rescue has vaccinated over 2,400 pets this year, including for rabies.

Officials advise against approaching or handling animals suspected of having rabies. Instead, people should keep their distance, bring pets indoors if safe, and notify local animal-control agencies or wildlife-control operators as necessary. If an individual has been bitten or exposed, seeking immediate medical advice is crucial.

In cases of potential exposure, health officials may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for humans who have not previously received rabies vaccinations, consisting of rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies shots, which are highly effective prior to symptom development. There is currently no reliable blood test to detect rabies before symptoms appear in humans, but animal testing differs, often requiring the euthanization of the animal.

Pet owners are advised to act quickly after potential exposures. McCollister stated that vaccination has effectively prevented fatal rabies cases among domestic animals. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue will hold a vaccine clinic on October 16, providing some vaccines at no cost and offering rabies vaccinations at a reduced rate. Pet owners can contact Lucky Dog for more details at (843) 920-6557.

For further information about rabies prevention and responses to potential exposures, individuals should reach out to the South Carolina Department of Public Health or their local animal-control agency.