Parts of Bangkok declared rabies zones following outbreak; 30-day ban on animal movement
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The order, issued after rabies cases were detected in the Nong Bon sub-district of Prawet district in Bangkok, will remain in effect from Sept 9 to Oct 8.
PHOTO: UNSPLASH
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BANGKOK – Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development has urgently declared parts of Bangkok and Samut Prakan as temporary epidemic zones following a rabies outbreak, imposing a 30-day ban on the movement of dogs, cats and other mammals.
The order, issued after rabies cases were detected in the Nong Bon sub-district of Prawet district in Bangkok, will remain in effect from Sept 9 to Oct 8. The outbreak has been classified as a serious health threat that can spread to humans, dogs, cats, cattle, buffalo and other mammals.
The epidemic zones cover Nong Bon in Prawet district, which is bordered by Thap Chang, Bang Kaeo, Racha Thewa and Bang Chak.
The authorities have implemented strict measures, including restrictions on the movement of animals and carcasses, as well as mandatory reporting of sick animals.
Dogs, cats and their carcasses cannot be moved into or out of the declared areas without written permission from an authorised veterinarian.
Owners must report sick animals to the authorities within 12 hours. Dead animals must be left where they died until a report is made to veterinary officers.
Animal owners must strictly comply with all orders issued by the official veterinarian. Anyone who violates or fails to comply shall be liable to imprisonment for up to two years, a fine not exceeding 40,000 baht (S$1,600), or both.
The Bangkok Veterinary Public Health Office’s rabies control unit has also issued a warning after rabid animals were found in Chalerm Phrakiat Rama 9 Soi 49, Nong Bon sub-district.
Residents in the area and the surrounding communities within a 5km radius have been urged to exercise extreme caution.
Besides Nong Bon, other high-risk zones include Dok Mai and Prawet in the Prawet district; On Nut and Phatthanakan in the Suan Luang district; Thap Chang; Lat Krabang; Bang Na Nuea; and Bang Chak.
Bang Kaeo and Racha Thewa in Samut Prakan are also considered high-risk zones.
The authorities strongly advised the public to avoid touching stray animals. If they are bitten or scratched, they should immediately wash their wounds with soap and water and seek rabies vaccination at hospital without delay.
Those who see rabid animals showing signs such as agitation, unprovoked biting, stiffness, drooling or a hanging tongue should report them to the authorities in Bangkok. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
