Rabid kitten, skunk found in Pickens County, multiple people, pets exposed

(WSPA) – Three people, seven pets and 23 livestock animals have been directly exposed to a cat and skunk with rabies, according to state officials.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed on Tuesday a kitten found near Pumpkintown highway and Holder Street in Pickens and a skunk found near Store and Ireland roads have tested positive for rabies.

One dog was exposed to rabies by the kitten, and has been placed in quarantine as required by state law. The skunk is confirmed to have come into contact with two cats, two cows and 20 goats. All will be quarantined as required by law.

"Stray and feral cats serve as a significant source for rabies exposure to people and pets," said Terri McCollister, DPH Rabies Program director. "In general, it is not a good idea to feed pets outside, especially if you leave food unsupervised. This practice can have negative consequences for people and pets because food attracts wildlife, resulting in conflicts to include disease and parasite transmission, predation, and safety concerns from neighbors."

South Carolina law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated at a frequency to provide continuous protection of the pet from rabies using a vaccine approved by the department and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Livestock are susceptible to rabies and all livestock with USDA approved rabies vaccinations should be vaccinated. Cattle and horses, however, are the most frequently reported infected livestock species. Per U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), species for which licensed vaccines are not available (goat and swine), that have frequent contact with humans, or are considered valuable, should also be vaccinated.

"To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals plenty of space," said McCollister. "If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator, or wildlife rehabilitator."

If you believe that you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with the kitten, skunk or another animal that potentially has rabies, call DPH's Upstate Greenville-Spartanburg office at (864) 372-3270 during normal business hours or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902.

In 2024, four animals have tested positive for rabies in Pickens County. There have been 72 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 148 positive cases a year. In 2023, six of the 78 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Pickens County. For more information on rabies visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies .