Two rabid skunks were found recently in Hall County.

Both came in contact with dogs, one in the 3200 block of Baker Road southeast of downtown Gainesville and the other in the 5000 block of Latty Road in Lula.

Hall County received notice Thursday from the Georgia Public Health Lab- Virology Section in Decatur that both animals had the disease.

These are the first two rabies cases of the year.

Signs will be posted in the areas where the skunks were found.

Also Thursday, the county received notice of a rabid racoon coming in contact with a dog in the 5100 block of Young Road in Gainesville. Signs will be posted in this area as well.

Those who see animals acting abnormally in those areas, can contact Hall County Animal Services at 770-531-6830 during regular business hours and Hall County Dispatch at 770-536-8812 during off hours.

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