Photo Courtesy of Access North Georgia
Positive rabies alert in northeastern Hall County
On April 7, 2012, there was contact between a skunk and three dogs in the area of Northeastern Hall County. Hall County Animal Services shipped the skunk on April 9 to the Georgia Public Health Lab in Decatur for a necropsy which confirmed that day that the skunk was positive for rabies. This is the 10th confirmed case of rabies for 2012.
Positive alert signs have been posted in the area where the rabid skunk was located. If you live in this area or you see an animal acting abnormally, contact Hall County Animal Services at 770-531-6830, or during non-working hours call Hall County Dispatch at 770-536-8812.
As this is the 10th confirmed case around the North Hall County area owners bringing their dogs up from Atlanta for a weekend at Lake Lanier should be cautious of any wild animals and not allow their dogs to run in the surrounding woods. You should also make sure your dog is up to date on its rabies vaccination. Because parts of Lake Lanier are in South Hall County it is best to err on the side of caution. A lot of Wild life has been seen around the Lake already this spring and while there have been no reports of rabid animals I think a warning to be on the look out is certainly something that should be out there so that people can make appropriate decisions this Spring and Summer for their dogs.
Animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their domesticated pets for rabies. Low cost Vaccines are available at the Hall County Animal Shelter for $10 Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1688 Barber Rd, Gainesville. There is also an upcoming rabies clinic on the weekend if during the week does not work for you.
