09/28/2026
🚨 Rabies is still here — and prevention starts with you. 🚨
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can affect any mammal, including our pets and us. Once clinical signs develop, rabies is almost always fatal. The good news? Rabies is preventable.
And this isn't just a worldwide concern — it's happening right here in South Carolina. South Carolina has already reported 72 confirmed rabies cases in 2026, with recent cases involving wildlife and livestock across multiple counties. Several pets have also been exposed and required quarantine.
🐶 How can you protect your pet?
💉 Keep rabies vaccines current. South Carolina law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and kept continuously protected.
🦝 Give wildlife their space. Raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes are among the animals commonly associated with rabies in the U.S. Never approach or handle wildlife — especially animals acting strangely or found sick, injured, or dead.
🐕 Keep pets supervised. Preventing interactions between your pets and wildlife is one of the simplest ways to reduce exposure risk.
📞 If an exposure happens, act quickly. If your pet is bitten or has potentially come into contact with a wild animal, contact your veterinarian and local public health officials promptly. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.
A rabies vaccine is protection for your pet, your family, and your community. ❤️🐾
This World Rabies Day, make sure your pet's rabies vaccine is up to date.
