A rabies alert has been issued for East Hall County after a rabid raccoon was confirmed in the area this week.

The raccoon came in contact with a dog Tuesday in the Valley Glen area. The raccoon was shipped to the Georgia Public Health Lab-Virology Section in Decatur the next day and confirmed positive for rabies.

Alert signs will be posted in the area where the rabid raccoon was located. If you live in this area or you see an animal acting abnormally, contact Hall County Animal Services at 770-531-6830 or during nonworking hours call Hall County Dispatch at 770-536-8812.

Animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their pets and livestock for rabies. Vaccines are available for $10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at the Hall County Animal Shelter at 1688 Barber Road in Gainesville.