A bobcat found near the Jackson-Hall county line near Gillsville has tested positive for rabies, according to Hall County officials.
The case marks the first confirmed rabies case in a bobcat in Hall County and the first confirmed rabies case for 2012 in the county.
The bobcat made contact between two dogs in the Bryant Quarter Road area. The two dogs were up to date on their vaccinations. Hall County Animal Services was alerted on Wednesday, Jan. 25, that the bobcat tested positive for rabies.
Jackson County officials announced this week that a cow in the Unity Church Road area of Maysville also tested positive for rabies. Unity Church Road is near Bryant Quartet Road, where the rabid bobcat was found in Hall County.
Animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their domesticated pets for rabies. Vaccines are available at the Hall County Animal Shelter for $10 Tuesdays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1688 Barber Rd, Gainesville.