Across the Area

Raccoon tests positive for rabies near Harlem

A Columbia County family was advised to acquire additional rabies shots for their pet dog after a raccoon killed near Harlem last week tested positive for rabies.

The raccoon, found on Green Plantation Road near Harlem, is the county's first case of rabies this year, said Animal Care and Control Manager Linda Fulmer.

"Luckily the dog ... had a current rabies vaccination," she said.

Columbia County documented 12 cases of rabies during 2008, the most in recent memory.