Bat tests positive for rabies in Mount Holly, marking the county’s 10th case this year

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Gaston County has confirmed its 10th rabies case this year.

On July 10, around 4:30 p.m., Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement responded to a call regarding a family’s dog being exposed to a bat in their yard in the 200 block of Silvercliff Drive in Mount Holly.

Specialists impounded the bat and sent it to the NC Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh the following day.

On July 14, the tests came back positive for rabies.

Due to the age of the puppy, it had not yet received a rabies vaccine. In compliance with state regulations, the dog is being kept under a strict quarantine at a local veterinarian’s office for four months.

Animal Care and Enforcement completed a neighborhood canvass in the area of Silvercliff Drive to notify residents of the positive rabies results and verify rabies vaccination for family pets in the area.

Officials are continuing to stress the importance of having a valid rabies vaccination for all pets’ health and safety, as well the health and safety of their owners and community.