Habersham County officials are reporting that an animal that was found after scratching and biting residents near downtown Cornelia last weekend has tested positive for rabies.
County officials said Thursday that a stray cat was reported "acting aggressively" on Sunshine Circle in Cornelia on Saturday, August 23.
"According to the resident, the 'stray cat' which was 'named' Rider had bitten/scratched two victims the night prior," a release from Habersham County said. "The cat was already deceased at the time of Animal Controls' arrival."
The cat was taken to the CDC State Laboratory for testing, with the rabies diagnosis being confirmed Wednesday afternoon, August 27. It is the second positive rabies case in Habersham County so far in 2025.
County officials said it's important for residents to take precautions to make sure they and their pets are safe from potentially rabid animals.
"Check that your pet's vaccinations are current. Dogs and cats who receive an initial rabies vaccination are not considered immunized until 28 days after the vaccine has been administered, therefore it is strongly recommended that any animal newly vaccinated or those too young to receive the vaccine (less than three months) not be left outdoors unattended," Habersham County Animal Care and Control Director Madi Nix said.
County officials added that residents should avoid unknown animals and seek immediate medical attention if bitten or exposed to the saliva of a wild animal.
