Several domesticated pets had contact with a rabid raccoon recently east of Cleveland.
The raccoon was shipped to the Georgia Public Health Lab - Virology Section in Decatur.
"White County Environmental Health was advised Thursday, March 9, that the raccoon tested positive for rabies," White County Public Safety Director David Murphy announced Friday.
The raccoon, which was located on Gerrells Road, is White County's first confirmed case of rabies in 2017.
Positive alert signs will be posted in the area where the rabid raccoon was located.
Residents in the affected area who have concerns of rabid animal exposure are asked to contact White County Environmental Health at (706) 348-7698 during normal business hours.
Murphy encourages animal owners to vaccinate their domesticated pets for rabies.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2017/3/510890/raccoon-is-white-countys-first-confirmed-rabies-case-of-2017