Gaston County has confirmed its 18th rabies case of 2025 after a quarantined kitten in Cherryville tested positive for the virus. The kitten had been isolated for four months after potential exposure to a skunk showing neurological symptoms on Mary’s Grove Road. That skunk later tested positive for rabies.
Because none of the kittens involved were vaccinated, the owner placed them under strict veterinary quarantine. Last Thursday, one kitten began showing symptoms and was euthanized before being sent to the state lab. Test results returned Monday confirmed rabies. The remaining kittens have shown no symptoms, and officials say no humans were exposed.
Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement stressed that this case highlights the importance of keeping pets vaccinated to protect both families and the community.
