A rabies alert has been issued for the Meadow Field Trace area of South Hall after a rabid raccoon was confirmed in the area.

The raccoon came in contact with a dog Sunday.
The raccoon was shipped to the Georgia Public Health Lab, Virology Section in Decatur and confirmed positive for rabies. This is the third confirmed case of 2011.

Alert signs will be posted in the area where the rabid raccoon was found.

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 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia at 845 W. Ridge Road in Gainesville.