Thailand on the lookout for rabbies

BANGKOK, September 8 (TNA) - Bangkok will host the 4th Rabies in Asia Conference next week ahead of the World Rabies Day as health experts warn of increasing risks of the disease in the country. Deputy Public Health Minister Sorawong Thienthong said Thailand’s Central Plain and South are being monitored and vaccination has becoming more essential for dogs and cats in these areas. Sorawong said the death toll of rabies patients in Thailand dropped from a peak of 370 people in 1980 by almost half to 185 people in the subsequent decade. The figure dropped to eight and four in 2011 and 2012 respectively. This year however, six deaths had been reported during the period from January 1 to September 5. Thailand is aiming to get rid of rabies by 2020, in line with other ASEAN member nations. (TNA)