A raccoon was found to be rabid after contact with a dog in the Ransom Free Road area of North Hall County.

The raccoon was shipped to the Georgia Public Health Lab-Virology Section in Decatur. Hall County Animal Control was advised Monday that the raccoon tested positive for rabies. This is the fourth confirmed case of rabies in Hall County in 2016.

Positive 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 in the area, contact Hall County Animal Services at 770-531-6830 or call Hall County Dispatch at 770-536-8812 during non-working hours.

Animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their domesticated pets for rabies. Vaccines are available at the Hall County Animal Shelter for $10 Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 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.