Rabid Skunk Confirmed in Laurens County; Four Pets Exposed

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that a skunk found near Graden and Calf Barn roads in Ware Shoals, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. According to the department, no human exposure has been reported. However, four dogs were exposed to the infected skunk and will be quarantined as mandated by the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

The skunk was submitted for rabies testing on October 25, 2024, and results returned positive on October 28, 2024. The DPH urges residents who suspect that they or their pets may have had contact with this skunk or any potentially rabid animal to reach out promptly. The department’s Greenwood office can be reached during business hours (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday) at (864) 942-3600, or after hours and during holidays at (888) 847-0902 (select Option 2).

“Keeping your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination is the easiest way to protect you and your family from this deadly virus,” emphasized Terri McCollister, Director of the Rabies Program. “Rabies can be carried and transmitted by any mammal, so it is crucial to maintain distance from wild and stray animals.”

Wildlife, particularly raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, are the primary carriers of rabies in South Carolina. However, domestic pets are also vulnerable to the virus. Residents are advised to avoid contact with wild animals and report any animal in distress to trained professionals, such as animal control officers or wildlife rehabilitators. Rabies exposure is defined as direct contact with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue through broken skin or mucous membranes, including the eyes, nose, or mouth.

This case marks the third rabid animal confirmed in Laurens County for 2024. Statewide, 68 cases of rabid animals have been reported this year. Historically, South Carolina has averaged 148 positive cases of rabies annually since 2002. In 2023, one of the state’s 78 confirmed cases was identified in Laurens County.

For more information or to find local Public Health office contacts, visit dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. Additional details about rabies can be found at dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.