A rabies alert has been issued for the Miller Lake Road area of East Hall after a rabid skunk was confirmed in the area last week.

The skunk came in contact with a dog April 13. It was shipped to the Georgia Public Health Lab, Virology Section in Decatur the next day and confirmed positive for rabies. This is the fifth confirmed case of 2010.

Alert signs will be posted in the area where the rabid skunk 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 Saturday at the Hall County Animal Shelter at 1688 Barber Road in Gainesville.