Gaston County has reported its 18th rabies case of the year after a series of unfortunate events involving unvaccinated kittens and a rabid skunk. According to WCNC, the kittens were exposed to the skunk on Mary's Grove Road in Cherryville. None of the animals had received their rabies vaccinations, prompting the owner to quarantine them at a local veterinarian's office for a duration of four months.
The situation escalated when one kitten began displaying symptoms of rabies and was later euthanized and confirmed to have contracted the disease. In what marks the county's 18th case this year, Gaston County authorities are emphasizing the critical importance of ensuring pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. A QC News report details that, the remaining cats were quarantined while awaiting laboratory results after the skunk tested positive for rabies.
The affected kitten was impounded and sent to the NC Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh for testing. Results received yesterday, at approximately 11:30 a.m. confirmed the presence of the virus. A WSOCTV article reported on the confirmed rabies case and the owner's decision to adhere to state regulations by quarantining the animals after exposure to the skunk.
