Rabid Animals Found in Four South Carolina Counties; Multiple Pets Exposed

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed that a rabid skunk and three rabid bats exposed 16 domestic pets and one person across four counties in August 2026. According to state health officials, all four infected animals were submitted to the Department of Public Health laboratory for testing on Aug. 21, 2026, and returned positive rabies confirmations on Aug. 25, 2026.

Greenville County Skunk Exposure Leads Quarantines

According to WYFF, a rabid skunk was discovered near Cedar Falls and Sweetwater roads in Fountain Inn, marking the fifth animal in Greenville County to test positive for rabies in 2026. The incident resulted in the exposure of two cats, two dogs, and nine goats. WSPA reported that all exposed animals will undergo quarantines as mandated by the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

This total mirrors a broader statewide tracking effort by health officials. WYFF noted that South Carolina has recorded 78 positive rabies cases statewide this year, following an annual average of approximately 136 positive cases each year since 2002. In 2025, Greenville County accounted for 10 of the state’s 101 confirmed rabies cases.

Upstate Bat Encounters in Greenwood and Pickens Counties

In Greenwood County, officials confirmed a rabid bat near Miller and Ridge roads in Greenwood, according to WYFF. WSPA reported that one dog was exposed during this incident and placed under quarantine. WYFF noted that this bat represents the sixth animal to test positive for rabies in Greenwood County this year.

A separate bat tested positive in Pickens County near Wylie Court and East Hill Drive in Easley, as reported by WYFF and WSPA. Two cats were exposed to the animal and are undergoing mandated quarantines under the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. WYFF identified this specimen as the third rabid animal confirmed in Pickens County for 2026.

Beaufort County Bat Incident and Public Health Warnings

In the Lowcountry, a rabid bat was discovered near Headlands Drive and Oyster Rake Lane on Hilton Head Island in Beaufort County, according to WYFF. One person sustained an exposure during the incident and received a referral to their healthcare provider. WYFF noted that this specimen is the second animal to test positive for rabies in Beaufort County this year.

State health officials urge anyone who believes they or their pets have encountered a potentially rabid animal to contact the Department of Public Health Upstate Greenville-Spartanburg office at (864) 372-3270 during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. After-hours and holiday calls should go to (888) 847-0902 by selecting option two.

Although bats can carry rabies, not every bat is infected with the virus. Bats are an important part of South Carolina’s ecosystems and deserve a healthy degree of respect just like all wild animals, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, via WYFF.

DPH advises residents never to handle any wild or stray animal with bare hands. South Carolina law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to maintain up-to-date rabies vaccinations using USDA-approved and DPH-licensed products.