DVS tests 18 dogs following rabies scare in Kedah’s Changlun
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 29 — The Kedah Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has collected samples from 18 dogs in Chang...
Kedah Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) collected samples from 18 dogs in Changlun and surrounding areas following a rabies scare, where a man was bitten by a stray dog. The incident was reported to the Kedah State Health Department on September 24. DVS, in collaboration with Kubang Pasu Municipal Council, conducted an investigation, capturing stray dogs in the area to assess the potential presence of the rabies virus.
Samples of 18 dogs have been collected for rabies testing, with results pending. Changlun is within a 50-kilometer rabies buffer zone from the Thai border, where all owned dogs must be vaccinated. As of August, 504 dogs in Kubang Pasu and 1,349 across Kedah were vaccinated. Kedah DVS continues rabies surveillance across districts, with 164 samples tested last month, all negative.
The virus affects the nervous system and can be fatal, causing behavioral changes in infected dogs. DVS advises against approaching stray or sick dogs and to seek immediate medical attention if bitten. Public can report incidents to local veterinary offices or DVS hotline for assistance.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
