Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in York, SC, Public Health Officials Issue Warning

YORK, S.C. — A raccoon in the York County area has tested positive for rabies, prompting a public health advisory from the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The animal was located near Edgefield and Strawberry Patch roads in York, according to a notice issued on May 7, 2025.

Terri McCollister, Rabies Program Manager for the Midlands Public Health Region, cautioned residents to be alert and avoid contact with wild or stray animals. The advisory follows a confirmed case of rabies in the local raccoon population and aims to prevent potential human and pet exposure.

The Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends the following precautions:

• Do not touch animals that appear to be in distress or behaving abnormally.

• Contact animal control for assistance with domestic animals.

• Seek help from a wildlife control operator or rehabilitator for wild animals; contact information is available through the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

• DPH staff do not handle or transport live animals.

Residents who believe they or their pets may have come into contact with a rabid animal should immediately call the DPH Public Health Columbia office at (803) 896-4680 during business hours or (888) 847-0902 after hours (Select Option 2).

DPH also urges pet owners to be vigilant. If a pet is found with unexplained wounds, owners should assume possible exposure to rabies and contact a veterinarian. This warning is especially relevant in light of the confirmed local rabies case.

Rabies vaccination is required by law in South Carolina for cats, dogs, and ferrets. Proof of vaccination must be available upon request. Low-cost rabies clinics can be found online at dph.sc.gov/rabies.

State health officials thank the public for helping reduce the spread of rabies and encourage continued cooperation in safeguarding the community.