DPH Supports World Rabies Day 2026: Stronger Together

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 28, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. — In observance of World Rabies Day on Sept. 28, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians of the steps they can take to protect people and pets against rabies.  

World Rabies Day aims to raise awareness about rabies prevention and honor Louis Pasteur, the developer of the rabies vaccine.  

This year, DPH continues to support the Global Alliance for Rabies Control’s goal to achieve zero human deaths from rabies worldwide by 2030 by promoting the theme, “Stronger Together.” Rabies infection is completely preventable in people through public health interventions; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports almost 70,000 human rabies deaths each year worldwide.  

In South Carolina, the rabies virus is naturally found in local wildlife, especially raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes, although any mammal can carry and transmit the virus. DPH strongly encourages residents to never touch, hold or keep wildlife as pets as they can harbor rabies or other diseases for long periods of time without displaying any signs of illness. Rabies is transmitted when saliva or neural tissue (brain, spinal cord, or nerves) of an infected animal is introduced into the body. Exposure can occur through a bite, scratch or contact with saliva or neural tissue to broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose or mouth.  

“To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space,” said Terri McCollister, DPH's Rabies Program manager. “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.”

Between 2019 and 2025, DPH’s South Carolina Public Health Laboratory reported 760 rabies positive animals, 90% of which were wild animals and 10% of which were domestic animals, such as cats (64), dogs (7) and livestock (12). Rabies is often passed to pets and livestock through wild animal encounters, which is why vaccinating your pets and livestock is vital in protecting their health as well as the health of your friends and family. The South Carolina Rabies Control Act requires all pet owners to keep their dogs, cats and ferrets up to date on rabies vaccinations.  

Rabies prevention in South Carolina uses a One Health approach, meaning veterinarians, physicians, wildlife experts and public health teams all work together to protect people and animals. Veterinarians vaccinate pets and livestock and teach owners how to prevent risky encounters with wildlife. Physicians evaluate and treat people who may have been exposed, ensuring they receive timely care. DPH staff investigate over 14,000 potential exposures annually, coordinate rabies testing, guide medical providers through post‑exposure treatment, and partner with veterinarians to offer low‑cost rabies vaccination clinics. By combining these efforts across human, animal and environmental health, South Carolina strengthens rabies surveillance, prevention and response.

“Vaccinating your animals is the easiest and most effective way you can protect yourself, your family and pets from this fatal but preventable disease,” McCollister said.

To report a bite or exposure to saliva, please call DPH's rabies 24-hour rabies reporting line at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2). DPH physicians trained in human management of potential rabies exposures are available for consultation with medical providers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the same phone line.

To learn more about rabies prevention, visit dph.sc.gov/rabies, rabiesalliance.org, and cdc.gov/rabies.

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