CHERRYVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Gaston County is reminding pet owners to keep their furry friends up-to-date on their vaccines after a dog in Cherryville had a close encounter with a rabid skunk.

On Thursday, Oct. 30, Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement were called to the 1000 block of Mary's Grove Road, around 7:30 p.m. Reports said that a dog was possibly exposed to a skunk that was exhibiting neurological issues.

The dog had an expired rabies vaccination, but received a booster shot from a vet. The skunk made no contact with humans, officials say.

Specialists impounded the skunk and sent it to the NC Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh for testing on Friday, Oct. 31. The testing came back around 11:15 a.m. Monday, showing that the skunk was positive for rabies.

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