Hall County's rabies epidemic apparently isn't taking a break for the holidays. The number of confirmed cases this year has now climbed to 43.
According to Hall County Animal Control, on Dec. 10 a skunk came into contact with a dog in the Claude Parks Road area of North Hall. The skunk's remains were sent Monday to the Georgia Public Health Lab in Decatur, which confirmed Tuesday that the skunk was infected with rabies.
Anyone who observes a wild animal behaving strangely, which may be an indication of rabies, should call Animal Control at 770-531-6830.
Pet owners should also make sure their dogs and cats have been vaccinated against rabies. If an unvaccinated pet is exposed to rabies, Georgia law requires that it must be either euthanized or placed under strict, long-term quarantine.