The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that the number of rabid animals identified statewide has reached 59 for the year 2026. As officials manage recent cases across multiple counties, they are emphasizing that keeping pets and livestock up to date on rabies vaccinations remains the most effective defense against the fatal disease.
Recent Confirmed Cases and Human Exposures
Recent reports from the DPH highlight a broad geographic spread of the virus. In Georgetown County, a fox found near Plantersville Road and North Fraser Street tested positive for rabies on July 16, resulting in the exposure of one person and one dog. The affected individual has been referred to a healthcare provider, while the dog has been placed under quarantine as required by state law. In Greenwood County, a raccoon discovered near Blue Jay and Stevenson roads in Hodges tested positive for rabies on Wednesday. A dog exposed to the animal is currently under quarantine. Earlier in the month, health officials confirmed a fox in Saluda County near Country Pond and Cockrell roads tested positive on July 2, exposing one person and a dog. Additionally, a goat found near Stallion Spirit and Rocky Hollow trails in Clover, York County, tested positive on July 6, leading to the exposure of four people.
The Importance of Vaccination and Prevention
State health officials maintain that rabies is a significant, fatal viral infection, and public compliance with vaccination laws is essential. Terri McCollister, the DPH’s rabies program manager, stated that maintaining current vaccinations for pets and livestock is a fundamental responsibility of animal ownership.
Keeping your pets and livestock current on their rabies vaccination is a responsibility that comes with owning an animal,
McCollister said. She described these vaccinations as an investment worth making to provide yourself some peace of mind.
South Carolina law mandates that all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies using a vaccine approved by the DPH and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Livestock owners are also encouraged to vaccinate animals that are eligible for USDA-approved rabies vaccines.
Reporting and Safety Protocols
State authorities have established clear protocols for those who believe they or their animals have encountered a potentially rabid animal:
- Immediate Reporting: Anyone who suspects they, a family member, or a pet has been exposed to a rabid animal should contact the DPH’s 24-hour rabies reporting line at 888-847-0902.
- Medical Evaluation: Individuals exposed to rabid animals are routinely referred to healthcare providers for evaluation.
- Animal Management: Under the South Carolina Rabies Control Act, domestic animals exposed to confirmed rabid wildlife are subject to mandatory quarantine.
Officials advise the public to avoid approaching wild or unfamiliar animals. If an animal appears to be in need, the public is encouraged to observe from a distance and contact trained professionals, such as local animal control officers or wildlife rehabilitators, rather than attempting to capture the animal themselves.
Understanding the Risks
Rabies is transmitted through saliva, typically via bites, scratches, or direct contact with the eyes, mouth, or open wounds. While seeing wildlife during the day does not automatically mean an animal is infected, residents should remain cautious. Symptoms of rabies in animals can include aggressive or unusually friendly behavior, difficulty walking, staggering, foaming at the mouth, excessive drooling, and disorientation. DPH continues to monitor the situation across the state, noting that while cases appear in various wildlife and domestic species, the consistent application of vaccination protocols remains the primary tool for community protection.
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