Reporting Possible Exposures
Report All Cases Involving Animal Bites to DPH
If you provide care for a patient who has been bitten by an animal - whether the animal involved is a pet, stray, farm animal, exotic pet or wild animal - you are required to report the name, age, gender, weight, address and telephone number of the person bitten to DPH no later than the end of the next working day.
Rabies - Guide to Managing Exposures
This is the DPH Guide for Rabies Risk Assessment and Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
DPH Available for Consultation on Rabies
Whether you treat humans or animals, feel free to contact us for guidance, help and information.
Rabies Treatment
Rabies Exposure Information
Bats
Bats are Good for Our Ecosystems
South Carolina is home to 14 bat species. These bats play a major role in keeping the mosquito population down. They also eat other insects, pollinate flowers and other plants, and help disperse seeds.
World Rabies Day
World Rabies Day is September 28!
Rabies is a deadly virus that kills pets, wildlife, and people across the globe. Help us end rabies by keeping your pets up-to-date with their rabies vaccinations which protects not only your pet but also you and your family from the virus.
Rabies Vaccination Clinics
State law requires all pet owners to vaccinate their dogs, cats, and ferrets. You can also vaccinate livestock such as horses, cows, and sheep.
Keeping your pets and livestock up to date on their rabies vaccinations is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family, and your pets from this fatal disease. Information on year-round low-cost ($10 or less) rabies clinics and mobile rabies clinics can be found at the links below or contact your local veterinarian to make an appointment to get your pet vaccinated.
Rabies Contacts and Reporting
Anyone bitten or scratched by a wild, stray or unvaccinated animal needs to care for the wound properly and contact their health care provider. The health care provider is required to report the incident to DPH.
If you do not seek medical treatment for the wound, you are required to contact your county office to report the incident by the end of the following business day.