Wildlife in NC That Can Carry Rabies

A few cases already confirmed in 2020

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A few counties in North Carolina have already confirmed cases of rabies at the start of 2020. In Gaston, a skunk tested positive for the virus after it got into an altercation with a German Shepard. The dog had already killed the skunk when local authorities showed up, however, the deceased animal was sent to the North Carolina Laboratory of Public Health for testing. It was there that it was confirmed that it had been infected with rabies.

In Gastonia, the first case of rabies for the year was confirmed. Again, a dog got into a fight with a raccoon and after the raccoon had been killed, it was sent to a lab for testing. Many animals can be carriers of the rabies virus and officials reminded residents that it is important to remain vigilant and to not approach any unfamiliar animals. They also urge people to report any suspected rabid animals that they may come across.

For information on skunk and raccoon removal, visit Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc.

Skunk tests positive for rabies in Gaston’s second case of 2020

A skunk tested positive for rabies following an altercation with a German Shepherd last week.

Officers with Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement responded to the 100 block of Thornburg Road, which is near Costner Elementary School, after the adult male dog killed the skunk, according to Animal Care and Enforcement.

The dead skunk was sent to the North Carolina Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh, where it tested positive for rabies Thursday. Read more

Summary: In Gaston, a skunk tested positive for the virus after it got into an altercation with a German Shepard. This is the second confirmed case for the county.

First rabies case of 2020 confirmed in Gastonia

An altercation between a female Chow Chow and a raccoon marks Gaston County’s first rabies case of 2020. Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement responded to 300 block of Armstrong Park Road in Gastonia, after the Chow Chow killed the raccoon on Friday afternoon.

The raccoon tested positive for rabies on Tuesday at the North Carolina Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh. Luckily, the family dog had the appropriate rabies vaccination. See more

Summary: The first confirmed case of rabies in Gastonia was from a raccoon that got into a fight with a resident’s dog. The raccoon was sent to a lad in Raleigh for testing.