PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. – State health officials have confirmed rabies cases across five South Carolina counties after a bobcat, fox, raccoons, and a skunk all tested positive in separate incidents this week.
Multiple Counties Affected
The Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that rabid animals were found in Laurens, Pickens, Aiken, Berkeley, and York counties:
- Laurens County: A rabid raccoon was found near Dove Lane and Knighton Chapel Road in Fountain Inn. One dog was exposed and is under quarantine.
- Pickens County: A raccoon tested positive near Mile Creek and Martin School roads. One dog was exposed and placed in quarantine.
- Aiken County: A bobcat confirmed with rabies was located in Beech Island near Indian Mound Drive. One goat and one pig were exposed, and the investigation is ongoing.
- Berkeley County: A rabid fox was discovered in Summerville near Bridgewater Court. Four people were exposed and referred to health care providers; one dog was quarantined.
- York County: A skunk tested positive near Pennington Road in Rock Hill, with two dogs now under quarantine.
All animals from Aiken, Berkeley, Laurens, and York counties were submitted to the DPH laboratory on August 18 and confirmed the following day. The Pickens County raccoon was confirmed August 20.
Health Risks and Exposure
Rabies is a fatal disease if left untreated. Officials urge anyone who may have come in contact with these animals to call the DPH 24-hour rabies reporting line at (888) 847-0902.
The state requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated, and livestock such as cattle and horses are also vulnerable. Vaccination is strongly encouraged for goats, swine, and other animals in frequent human contact.
“Keeping your pets and livestock current on their rabies vaccination is a responsibility that comes with owning an animal,” said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program manager. “It is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family, your pets, and your livestock from this fatal disease.”
Statewide Rabies Trends
So far in 2025, 56 cases of rabid animals have been confirmed statewide. South Carolina has averaged 144 positive rabies cases annually since 2002…