Authorities from the South Carolina Department of Public Health have confirmed rabies cases involving a skunk in Abbeville County and a stray cat in Laurens County this week.

In Abbeville County, the infected skunk was discovered near Bulls Horn and Bouchillon Roads. As a result, seven dogs exposed to the skunk are now under quarantine in accordance with the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

Meanwhile, in Laurens County, a stray orange cat found near Geddy and Millrock Church Roads tested positive for rabies. This incident led to the exposure of six individuals and two vaccinated dogs, which are also being quarantined.

Terri McCollister, the manager of the rabies program, highlighted the critical need for medical attention following exposure to potentially rabid animals. She explained, “The rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted through bites, scratches, broken skin, or contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.”

In a related development, officials reported that a non-vaccinated stray cat, which had been housed with the rabid cat in Laurens County, was euthanized after assessing safety concerns in consultation with its caretakers.

The rabid skunk in Abbeville County was confirmed on November 18, while the rabid cat in Laurens County was confirmed on November 19.

Stray and feral cats are significant sources of rabies exposure due to their regular interaction with wildlife, and they can unknowingly shed the virus in their saliva, according to the SCDPH.

The skunk is the fourth animal in Abbeville County to test positive for rabies, and the cat is the fifth in Laurens County this year.

There have been 92 cases of rabid animals in South Carolina this year.