No human rabies case in Bangkok

BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) – Bangkok governor visited Bangkok Noi area for anti-rabies campaign, saying there has no report of human rabies case in the capital. Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang led veterinarians, district officials and health officials to inspect a residential area in Soi Charan Sanitwong 22 as Bangkok is one of 22 provinces, declared the temporary rabies outbreak zones. The governor said since the beginning of this year, six rabid dogs were found in four districts of Don Mueang, Bang Khen, Bang Sue and Chatuchak but there has been no human rabies case, reported. He ordered officials from all 50 districts to vaccinate dogs and cats in local communities. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has prepared 250,000 doses of rabies vaccines. So far, about 80,000 doses have been used in the capital. Six districts, connecting other provinces are under close surveillance. He said the BMA has no plan to cull stray dogs as it is against the Buddhist principles. These dogs have been caught for vaccination and sterilization at the dog control center in Prawet district, which can accommodate 2,000 dogs. They will be later sent to the dog shelter in Uthai Thani. The facility there can accommodate 8,000 dogs. BMA now takes care of 7,000 stray dogs while the survey shows there are about 100,000 stray dogs in the capital. It has a law to control raising pets but it is difficult to enforce it. He added that dog owners are advised to inform the health department if they do not want to raise their pets anymore however, they should dump their pets at the temples. Each district will conduct survey on the areas where most stray dogs are staying such as temples, markets, universities and construction sites to assess the problems and to find solution. The authorities will also cooperate with animal lovers organizations to address the problem. (TNA)