GASTONIA, N.C. — Officials say a raccoon found roaming around a Belmont neighborhood Monday afternoon has tested positive for rabies.
This is Gaston County’s 3rd confirmed rabies case of the year.
Around 6 p.m. on February 14th, Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement answered a call for service on Park Drive regarding a raccoon walking around in circles.
Specialists investigated the incident and took the raccoon to Carolina Wildlife for rehabilitation.
The raccoon tested positive for rabies at the State of North Carolina Virology lab on Friday, February 18th, according to officials.
Animal Care and Enforcement canvassed the neighborhood to notify the community of the positive rabies result and to verify rabies vaccinations for family animals in the area.
Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement also notified the Gaston County Department Health and Human Services so they could complete a follow up investigation.
Officials urge pet owners to get their furry friends up to date on all rabies vaccinations in order to protect their pet’s health and safety as well as other animals in the community.
