GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement responded to a home after a resident’s dog killed a raccoon in the backyard on Nov. 30.
Officials say the incident happened on the 3400 block of Autumn Drive in Gastonia. The dog was found to be up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations and received a booster vaccine shortly after.
Officials processed the raccoon and sent a rabies specimen to the North Carolina state lab. On Friday, Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement was notified the raccoon tested positive for rabies.
Officials canvased the neighborhood to notify residents of the positive rabies result.
Having an up-to-date rabies vaccination for all of your pets is vital for protecting them from contracting the disease, and spreading it to other animals and people in the community.
Gaston County officials also say it is important to never handle or transport sick animals, as they could carry diseases including rabies. Residents should contact Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement to handle and transport infected animals
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