GASTONIA, N.C. - On Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 10:58 a.m., Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement received a call regarding a positive rabies specimen from Griffin Animal Disease Laboratories Monroe, NC. Griffin Laboratory received this raccoon specimen from Carolina Wildlife on January 09, 2022.

Animal Care and Enforcement Specialists investigated the incident. The raccoon was observed wondering around by citizens in the area of the 100 block of Antelope Drive Mount Holly, NC 28120. Carolina Wildlife picked the raccoon up in the 100 block Antelope Drive Mount Holly, NC 28120. Carolina Wildlife determined the raccoon was too sick to rehabilitate. The raccoon specimen was sent to Griffin Laboratories and on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 the raccoon specimen tested positive for rabies.

Animal Care and Enforcement completed a neighborhood canvas in the area of Antelope Drive Mount Holly, NC to notify the community of the positive rabies result and 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 follow up with Carolina Wildlife and their associates involved with this sick wildlife.

The Gaston County Police Department Animal Care and Enforcement Unit stresses the importance of having a valid rabies vaccination for all of your pet’s health and safety as well as the health and safety of animal owners and community.

This represents the second confirmed rabies case in Gaston County this year.