October 7, 2025

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Laurens County

Laurens County, October 7, 2025

News Summary

A raccoon found in Laurens County has tested positive for rabies, raising concerns for local pets and residents. One exposed cat will be quarantined as per state regulations. This marks the fourth rabid animal case in Laurens County this year. The South Carolina Department of Public Health has also reported rabies cases in bats, prompting warnings for contact with potentially rabid animals. Residents are urged to vaccinate pets and report any unusual animal behavior to public health officials.

Laurens, South Carolina

A raccoon found in Laurens County has tested positive for rabies, marking an alarming development for local pets and residents. The incident occurred near Simpson Creek and Neely Ferry roads, where one cat was exposed to the rabid raccoon and will be quarantined in accordance with the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

The raccoon was submitted to the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) laboratory on October 2, 2025, and confirmed to have rabies the following day, October 3, 2025. This raccoon represents the fourth animal to test positive for rabies in Laurens County in 2025 alone. Statewide, South Carolina has recorded a total of 80 cases of rabid animals so far this year, with the state averaging approximately 144 positive rabies cases per year since 2002.

In 2024, Laurens County also confirmed four rabies cases. The recent uptick in rabies cases raises concern about the safety of pets and the effectiveness of preventive measures.

In a related incident, a bat found in Gaffney, Cherokee County, tested positive for rabies, exposing two dogs that will also be quarantined. This bat was discovered near Lakeshore Drive and Rodgers Street. Additionally, another bat found in Beech Island, Aiken County, tested positive for rabies, exposing a dog that will similarly undergo quarantine. Both bats were submitted to the DPH laboratory on October 2 and were confirmed to have rabies on October 3.

DPH officials urge individuals who have had contact with potentially rabid animals to contact their 24-hour rabies reporting line at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2). Rabies can only be confirmed through laboratory testing. Unusual behavior in bats, such as being active during the day or found on the ground, can indicate potential rabies infection.

Exposure to rabies typically involves direct contact with the saliva or nervous tissue of an infected animal, and individuals are advised to wash the affected area immediately and seek medical attention. In addition to the current cases, SCDPH has confirmed other rabid animals in the state, including a bobcat, a fox, and a skunk, which have exposed multiple individuals, pets, and livestock.

SCDPH emphasizes the importance of vaccinating pets and livestock against rabies as a preventive measure to protect both animals and their owners from this fatal disease.

FAQ Section

What animal tested positive for rabies in Laurens County?

A raccoon tested positive for rabies in Laurens County, South Carolina.

How many rabies cases have been confirmed in Laurens County in 2025?

This raccoon marks the fourth animal to test positive for rabies in Laurens County in 2025.

What should individuals do if they have contact with a potentially rabid animal?

Individuals who have had contact with potentially rabid animals are urged to call DPH’s 24-hour rabies reporting line at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).