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).
How can rabies be confirmed?
Rabies can be confirmed only through laboratory testing.
What preventive measures are recommended for pets?
SCDPH emphasizes the importance of vaccinating pets and livestock against rabies as a preventive measure.
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Additional Resources
- GoLaurens: Raccoon Rabies in Laurens County
- Wikipedia: Rabies
- WYFF4: South Carolina Rabies Cases
- Google Search: Rabies in South Carolina
- WRDW: Dog Exposed to Rabid Bat in Beech Island
- Google Scholar: Rabies
- FitsNews: Rabid Animals Confirmed in SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rabies
- Fox Carolina: Pets Exposed to Rabid Skunk
- Google News: Rabies Laurens County
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens 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 Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
