Greenwood, South Carolina, September 3, 2025
News Summary
A raccoon in Greenwood has tested positive for rabies, prompting health warnings for local pet owners. The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed the animal’s status and initiated quarantine for an exposed dog. With rising rabies cases in the Upstate, community vaccination clinics are set to enhance awareness and safety among residents as the threat of rabies increases.
Greenwood, South Carolina – A raccoon found in Greenwood has tested positive for rabies, prompting immediate health precautions for local pet owners. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that the raccoon, discovered near Bermuda and St. Augustine drives, was submitted for testing on August 27 and confirmed rabid on August 28. Following this incident, one dog exposed to the rabid raccoon will be quarantined in accordance with the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. Fortunately, there are no known human exposures reported at this time.
As rabies remains a serious health concern, pet owners are advised to stay vigilant. If anyone thinks they or their pets may have come into contact with the raccoon or other potentially rabid animals, they should contact DPH’s Greenwood office at 864-942-3600. The rabies virus is highly active in wildlife, and it poses a severe risk of fatality if left untreated.
This incident is part of a worrying trend in the Upstate, where reports indicate that raccoons in multiple counties have tested positive for rabies. In 2024 alone, South Carolina reported 81 confirmed rabies cases in animals, including 33 cases of raccoons. The state averages about 144 confirmed rabid animals yearly, highlighting the ongoing risk of rabies in the region.
To combat this rising threat, DPH plans to partner with local veterinarians to offer rabies vaccination clinics in March and April, aiming to boost community awareness and prevention efforts. Vaccination is not only vital for domestic pets, such as dogs, cats, and ferrets, which are legally required to be vaccinated against rabies, but also recommended for livestock due to their susceptibility to the disease. Notably, cattle and horses are the most frequently reported rabid livestock in South Carolina.
Those exposed to rabies can prevent infection if they receive post-exposure treatment quickly. However, recent data has shown a resurgence in rabies deaths in the United States, underscoring the critical need for increased vaccination and public awareness regarding the disease. In connection with recent rabies cases, an individual was referred to healthcare after potential exposure to a rabid fox in Edgefield County, which marks the first confirmed animal case in that county for 2025.
Community efforts through vaccination clinics will not only protect pets but also increase awareness among residents regarding the dangers of rabies, emphasizing the importance of acting promptly if exposure occurs.
FAQ
What should I do if I suspect my pet came into contact with a rabid animal?
You should contact the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s Greenwood office at 864-942-3600 for guidance on the necessary steps, including possible quarantine or vaccination.
What is rabies, and how can it be prevented?
Rabies is a deadly virus primarily found in wildlife. It can be prevented through vaccination of pets and timely post-exposure treatment for individuals who might have been exposed.
Are there any vaccination clinics planned for rabies?
Yes, the DPH will partner with veterinarians to offer rabies vaccination clinics in March and April to promote community awareness and prevention efforts.
Key Features of Rabies Awareness and Prevention
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of confirmed rabid raccoon | Greenwood, South Carolina, near Bermuda and St. Augustine drives |
| Date of confirmation | Confirmed on August 28, following testing on August 27 |
| Number of confirmed rabies cases in SC (2024) | 81 cases, including 33 raccoons |
| Average rabid animals reported annually | 144 rabid animals per year in South Carolina |
| Legal requirements for pet vaccinations | Mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets; recommended for livestock |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WISTV: Rabid raccoon found in Greenwood
- Wikipedia: Rabies
- Live 5 News: SC Health Department offering rabies vaccine clinics
- Google Search: rabies vaccination clinics
- ABC Columbia: Rabid fox reported in Edgefield County
- Google Scholar: rabies prevention
- Fox Carolina: Person and pets exposed to rabid bat in Greenville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rabies
- ABC Columbia: Rabies test negative on dog in Harbison State Forest
- Google News: rabies in South Carolina
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
