Gaston County recorded its 20th rabies case of the year after a skunk in Bessemer City tested positive last week, marking a sharp rise from the seven cases reported in 2024.
Animal Care and Enforcement responded to White Jenkins Road around 11:30 a.m. on December 17 after a dog was potentially exposed to a skunk showing neurological symptoms. The dog’s rabies vaccination had expired, but a veterinarian administered a booster shot shortly after the incident. Officials said no humans were exposed.
The skunk was impounded that afternoon and sent to the state laboratory in Raleigh on Thursday. Test results confirmed the animal was rabid. Enforcement teams then canvassed the neighborhood on Friday to alert residents and verify that nearby pets were properly vaccinated.
County officials said the spike in rabies cases underscores the importance of keeping pets’ vaccinations up to date. They emphasized that valid rabies shots protect both animals and the broader community from avoidable health risks.
