A rabies alert has been issued for the Tara Trail area of East Hall County after a rabid dog came in contact with a rabid cat.

The cat was shipped to the Georgia Public Health Lab, Virology Section in Decatur, and Hall County was advised Friday the cat was positive for rabies. This is the 17th confirmed case of 2014.

This is the year’s third case involving a cat. Ten cases involved raccoons, bats were involved in two cases, and there was one case each involving a beaver and a skunk.

Alert signs have been posted in the area. 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 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.