2 pets exposed to rabid skunk in the Upstate

Two pets have been exposed to a rabid skunk in Anderson County, South Carolina, according to health officials.The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Willford Road and Highway 187 S in Anderson has tested positive for rabies.DPH said no people are known to have been exposed at this time. Two dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.The skunk was submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing Tuesday, and was confirmed to have rabies on Wednesday.If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this skunk or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH’s Anderson office at (864) 372-3270 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).Authorities ask that you report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH.This skunk is the ninth animal in Anderson County to test positive for rabies in 2025. There have been 83 cases of rabid animals statewide this year.Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 144 positive cases a year. In 2024, three of the 81 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Anderson County.

ANDERSON, S.C. —

Two pets have been exposed to a rabid skunk in Anderson County, South Carolina, according to health officials.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Willford Road and Highway 187 S in Anderson has tested positive for rabies.

DPH said no people are known to have been exposed at this time. Two dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

The skunk was submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing Tuesday, and was confirmed to have rabies on Wednesday.

If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this skunk or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH’s Anderson office at (864) 372-3270 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).

Authorities ask that you report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH.

This skunk is the ninth animal in Anderson County to test positive for rabies in 2025. There have been 83 cases of rabid animals statewide this year.

Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 144 positive cases a year. In 2024, three of the 81 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Anderson County.