A rabies alert has been issued after two people had contact with a rabid cat in the 5th Street area of Lula in East Hall County.

The cat was shipped to the Georgia Public Health Lab, Virology Section in Decatur. Hall County Animal Control was advised Monday the cat tested positive for rabies. This is the first confirmed case of rabies in Hall County in 2015.

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

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 Friday at the Hall County Animal Shelter at 1688 Barber Road in Gainesville and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia at 845 W. Ridge Road in Gainesville. Vaccines are also available from local veterinarians.