This is to advise that on November 11, 2008 in the Barkers Bend area in the North Hall area, there was a raccoon found in the garage of a residence. The raccoon was shipped to the Georgia Public Health Lab - Virology Section in Decatur on Nov. 12, 2008. On Nov. 14, 2008, the Gainesville-Hall Animal Control Department was advised that the raccoon was positive for rabies.

A door-to-door canvas will be conducted in the area where the rabid raccoon was located. If you live in this area or see an animal acting abnormally in the Barkers Bend area, contact the Gainesville-Hall Animal Control Department at 770-531-6830, or during nonworking hours call Hall County Dispatch at 770-536-8812.

Any further information, contact the Gainesville-Hall Animal Control Department.