Gaston County reports eighth case of rabies in 2022

Kevin Ellis, The Gaston Gazette
·1 min read

A rabid raccoon found Saturday in a fight with a pet dog off Gaston Day School Road represents the eighth rabies case of the year in Gaston County.

Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement was called to Windsong Court off Gaston Day School road at 11:01 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, in regard to a dog in a fight with a raccoon.

The dog killed the raccoon. Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement collected the dead raccoon and sent it to a state lab for test.

Alicia Love holds “Cow” as “Oakley” watches Dr. Jessica Hilberbran give a rabies shot during rabies clinic held Saturday morning, Oct. 15, 2021, outside the Gaston County Health Department on West Hudson Boulevard.
Alicia Love holds “Cow” as “Oakley” watches Dr. Jessica Hilberbran give a rabies shot during rabies clinic held Saturday morning, Oct. 15, 2021, outside the Gaston County Health Department on West Hudson Boulevard.

Test results returned positive for rabies on Tuesday.

The dog was up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations and received a booster.

Animal Care and Enforcement completed a neighborhood canvas in the 100 block of Windsong Court to notify the community of the positive rabies result and to verify rabies vaccinations for family animals in the area.

The Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement stresses the importance of having an up-to-date rabies vaccination for all pets. By keeping your pet’s current on their rabies vaccines, you are protecting them from contracting the disease from wildlife and spreading the disease to your family and other animals, and people in the community.

Furthermore, it is important to never handle or transport sick wildlife. The animal could have rabies. Gaston County residents should contact Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement to capture and transport sick wildlife.

You can reach Kevin Ellis at 704-201-7016 or email him at kellis@gastongazette.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston County reports eighth case of rabies in 2022