A raccoon killed by a dog in Gastonia has tested positive for rabies, marking the third confirmed rabies case in Gaston County this year, police said.

Another dog killed a raccoon with rabies in Gaston County on Sunday, police announced on Tuesday. The rabies case marks the county’s third of 2025 and is the second time in just two weeks that a dog has killed a rabid raccoon in Gastonia.

Health officials are urging Chesapeake residents to ensure all pets and livestock are current on rabies vaccinations.

After the positive test, an officer confirmed that neighbors’ animals also were current on the rabies vaccination, police said.