Columbia, South Carolina – A rabid skunk found in Saluda County has prompted a public health response after officials confirmed that one pet and more than a dozen livestock may have been exposed to the fatal disease.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health said the skunk was found near Little Fawn Lane and Front Street in Ward, South Carolina. Laboratory testing later confirmed the animal had rabies. At this time, officials said no human exposures are known.
The case still raised concern because one dog and 14 livestock were potentially exposed. The animals included cows, sheep, goats and pigs. After the possible exposure was identified, DPH worked with its Public Health Veterinarian and the State Veterinarian with Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health to put safety measures in place.
According to DPH, the skunk was submitted to the agency’s laboratory for testing on May 13, 2026. The rabies confirmation came the next day, on May 14.
Health officials are urging anyone who believes they, a family member, a pet or another animal may have had contact with this skunk, or with any animal that may have rabies, to contact DPH immediately.
The Columbia office can be reached at (803) 896-4680 during normal business hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For after-hours calls and holidays, residents may call (888) 847-0902 and select Option 2.
The case is also a reminder of the importance of vaccination, especially in rural communities where pets and livestock may come into contact with wildlife.
South Carolina law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies. Those animals must also be revaccinated often enough to keep continuous protection, using a vaccine approved by DPH and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Livestock can also become infected with rabies. Officials said livestock for which USDA-approved rabies vaccines are available should be vaccinated. For species where licensed vaccines are not available, including goats and swine, DPH said vaccination should still be considered when the animals have frequent contact with people or are considered valuable.
“Keeping your pets and livestock current on their rabies vaccination is a responsibility that comes with owning an animal. 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. That is an investment worth making to provide yourself some peace of mind,” said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program manager.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it can be prevented when exposures are handled quickly and properly. That is why health officials continue to stress fast reporting, vaccination and caution around wild animals that appear sick, unusually tame, aggressive or disoriented.
The Saluda County skunk is the fourth animal in the county to test positive for rabies so far in 2026. Statewide, South Carolina has recorded 34 confirmed rabid animals this year. Since 2002, the state has averaged about 138 positive rabies cases annually. In 2025, South Carolina had 101 confirmed rabies cases, with one of those reported in Saluda County.
DPH said residents should avoid touching unfamiliar, stray or wild animals and should keep pets away from wildlife whenever possible. If an animal is bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to a potentially rabid animal, owners should contact a veterinarian and public health officials for guidance.
Contact information for local public health offices is available at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. More information about rabies prevention, exposure response and animal vaccination is available through DPH at dph.sc.gov/rabies and through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/rabies.
