A skunk found in Liberty tested positive for rabies, and a dog that was exposed will be quarantined, according to the S.C. Department of Public Health.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed that a skunk found near Lakeview Drive and Lakeside Lane in Liberty has tested positive for rabies, according to the department.
No people are known to have been exposed, the department said. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined under the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
The skunk was submitted to the department’s laboratory for testing Sept. 2 and was confirmed positive for rabies Sept. 3, according to the department.
Anyone who believes they, someone they know, or their pets came into contact with the skunk or another animal that may have rabies is asked to call the department’s Upstate Greenville-Spartanburg office at (864) 372-3270 during business hours, or (888) 847-0902, option 2, after hours and on holidays.
“Rabies is usually transmitted through a bite or scratch that allows saliva from an infected animal to be introduced into the body of a person or another animal. However, infected saliva or neural tissue contact with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies,” said Terri McCollister, the department’s Rabies Program manager.
“To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space. 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 a wildlife rehabilitator. Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH,” McCollister said.
The department said keeping pets current on rabies vaccinations remains one of the most effective ways to guard against the disease.
This is the fourth confirmed rabies case in Pickens County this year and the 81st statewide, according to the department. South Carolina has averaged about 136 positive rabies cases annually since 2002. In 2025, four of the state’s 101 confirmed cases were in Pickens County, the department said.
Contact information for local public health offices is available at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts.
Based on a release from S.C. Dept. of Public Health.
