Rabies outbreak declared in Maha Sarakham’s Wapi Pathum
The district of Wapi Pathum in Maha Sarakham province has been declared a temporary rabies outbreak zone following the death of a cow due to rabies. Livestock officials are actively vaccinating dogs and cats in the area as residents abstain from consuming beef.
The Mahasarakham Provincial Livestock Office yesterday, March 3, reported that a cow in Ban Lomkhom, Na Kha subdistrict, Wapi Pathum district, died under suspicious circumstances suggesting rabies infection.
Subsequent testing at the Upper Northeastern Veterinary Research and Development Center confirmed the presence of rabies. As a result, the Wapi Pathum district livestock office declared a temporary rabies outbreak zone under the Animal Epidemics Act of 2015.
Reporters visiting Ban Wang Chan, Village 4, Na Kha subdistrict, Wapi Pathum district, observed livestock officials vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies in three villages: Ban Wang Chan, Village 4; Ban Wang Nuea, Village 16; and Ban Wang Mai, Village 13. Many residents brought their pets for vaccination.
Thongluean, a local, shared that he owns four dogs, which he vaccinates annually as a preventive measure.
Despite the rabies outbreak, he remains unconcerned about his pets’ safety due to their vaccinations. However, the discovery of rabies in cattle has led him to temporarily refrain from consuming beef out of fear.
Anchalee Khamsai, a specialist veterinarian and head of the Animal Health Development Group, stated that the temporary outbreak zone restricts the movement of cattle, dogs, and cats within a 5-kilometre radius to monitor the situation closely.
She urged pet owners to ensure all animals are fully vaccinated and advised cattle and buffalo farmers to enhance farm facilities to prevent the entry and exit of vector animals, reported KhaoSod.
In similar news, Bangkokians were on high alert after health officials confirmed a rabies outbreak near a garbage treatment centre in Soi Onnut 86, Prawet district last November. Stray dogs in the area tested positive for the deadly virus, prompting urgent containment efforts.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Department of Livestock Development have launched mass vaccinations within a 5-kilometre radius. So far, 728 residents, 104 pets, and dozens of strays in Prawet, Saphan Sung, Suan Luang, and Bang Phli were immunised.
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