The South Carolina Department of Environmental Control is asking the public for information about a puppy whose littermate had a confirmed case of rabies.
The puppy being sought is a tan and white pit bull, approximately seven weeks old, and weighing about five pounds.
The puppies were part of a litter born near Johnston in Edgefield County, S.C. Two puppies from the litter were brought to Augusta from July 14 to July 17.
The puppies were also at a gathering in Clearwater, S.C. during that same timeframe. One of the puppies was given away at that gathering. DHEC wants to identify that puppy and determine its health status.
The puppy that tested positive for rabies was later taken to a birthday party in Florence, S.C. It was submitted for testing on July 19 and confirmed to have rabies the next day.
So far, DHEC has identified 25 people who were exposed, along with six dogs.
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DHEC is having difficulty obtaining contact information from people involved with the gathering in Clearwater, S.C. Anyone who attended the Clearwater gathering or who may have had contact with the littermate puppy should contact their health care provider and DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Aiken office at (803) 642-1637 or Florence office at (843) 661-4825 during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
DHEC is coordinating with the Georgia Department of Public Health to try to locate the missing puppy and determine any additional people or animals exposed to the puppy later confirmed to have rabies.
Deputy Director Tim Mosley for Environmental Health for East Central Health District said, “It is my understanding the rabid puppy was kept in a motel room in Augusta for 2-3 days. The person that possessed the dog during that period is receiving rabies post exposure prophylaxis. There are no other known exposures in Georgia at this time. South Carolina DHEC conducted the rabies investigation since the puppy was believed to have been infectious prior to being moved to Augusta from South Carolina.”
In Augusta, contact the East Central Health District on North Leg Road. The telephone number is 706-667-4329. Or you can email the office at ecphd@dph.ga.gov
People can make sure their pets are protected from rabies by having their pet vaccinated.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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