Rabid Cat Confirmed in Anderson County; Two People, Sixteen Cats, and Nine Dogs Exposed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 3, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a cat found near Breazeale Street and Blair Mill Road in Belton, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Two people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. Sixteen cats and nine dogs were exposed. This is an ongoing investigation.

The cat was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing March 31, 2026, and was confirmed to have rabies April 1, 2026. If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this cat, or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH's Upstate Greenville-Spartanburg office at (864) 372-3270 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).

“To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals plenty of space,” said Terri McCollister, 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 wildlife rehabilitator.” An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal. Unvaccinated cats that frequent the outdoors, or are considered stray or feral serve as a significant source for rabies exposure. If pets in the area have received any unexplained injuries, please contact your veterinarian’s office as your pet could have been exposed to rabies.

It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, which is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. This cat is the fourth animal in Anderson County to test positive for rabies in 2026. There have been 22 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 136 positive cases a year. In 2025, 11 of the 101 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Anderson County.

Contact information for local Public Health offices is available at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. For more information on rabies visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.

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