First it was a cat, now a raccoon. Animals test positive for rabies in Horry County
A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Little River just one week after a cat tested positive for the disease in the Green Sea area, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
The animal was submitted for testing on Thursday, and the diagnosis was confirmed on Friday, SCDPH announced by email Monday afternoon. One person was exposed to the raccoon and was referred to their healthcare provider.
“Keeping your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination is the easiest way to protect you and your family from this deadly virus,” said Terri McCollister, rabies program manager, in a statement. “Any mammal has the ability to carry and transmit the disease to people or pets. Therefore, give wild and stray animals plenty of space.”
The raccoon is the third animal in Horry County to test positive for rabies this year, including the cat that tested positive on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, according to SCDPH. There have been 67 confirmed cases statewide this year, according to SCDPH.
There are typically about 144 rabies cases statewide each year, and stray and feral cats are a significant source of rabies exposure, The Sun News previously reported.
In South Carolina, rabies is usually found in wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats, but pets are also susceptible to the illness, according to SCDPH.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that spreads through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth with saliva or brain or nervous system tissue from an animal carrying it.
SCDPH warns the public not to touch any animals that appear to be in need. Instead, experienced animal handlers such as local wildlife officers or wildlife rehabilitators should be contacted.
Anyone who has come in contact with the raccoon or another animal that potentially has rabies is urged to contact SCDPH’s Conway office at 843-915-8801 during business hours or at 888-847-0902 after hours and on holidays..
