Ellijay (GA) - On March 2 in Gilmer County, a female Pit Bull Terrier attacked a raccoon that has now tested positive for rabies. The attack occurred on Dalrymple Circle in a neighborhood off Highway 52 West in Ellijay.

The dog was not current on its rabies vaccination; therefore, it is now undergoing a six-month strict quarantine.

There was no human exposure.

Gilmer County Environmental Manager Andrea Martin said their office was notified of the incident by the VCA Appalachian Animal Hospital on March 7 and the positive rabies test result was reported by the Georgia Department of Public Health Laboratory on March 13.

Health officials urge residents to maintain current rabies vaccinations in their pets, not only for the sake of the pet, but also, to protect themselves and their family members from rabies.

Residents are also warned to protect themselves against rabies by avoiding contact with all unfamiliar animals, both domestic and wild.

Rabies that goes untreated is fatal almost 100 percent of the time.

For more information about rabies, please contact Gilmer County Environmental Health at (706) 635-6050 or log onto the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov.