ANDERSON CO., SC (WSPA) – Officials say nine people were potentially exposed to rabies in Anderson County.
According to the Department of Health and Environmental Control, the people were potentially exposed when they handled the goat on their property southwest of Honea Path.
“Rabies is usually transmitted through a bite which allows saliva from an infected animal to be introduced into the body of a person or another animal,” said DHEC’s David Vaughan. “However, saliva or neural tissue contact with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies.”
Officials say to reduce risk of rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space and avoid touching animals in need.
DHEC says you should keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Also, they say owners should vaccinate horses, livestock in frequent contact with humans, or other valuable livestock or animals used for raw milk or milk products, though it is not required by law.