Changlun:The Kedah Veterinary Services Department (JPV) has collected 50 samples from dogs and cats in the Changlun area over the past four days. This action follows a reported case of rabies in the state.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department's director, Dr. Shaharul Akmar Talib, stated that 46 samples were collected from dogs and four from cats. These samples were taken from animals near the affected area as part of monitoring, animal capture, and sampling operations. The samples have been sent to the Northern Region Veterinary Laboratory in Bukit Tengah, Penang, and results are expected within one to two days. So far, none of the samples tested has returned a positive result.
Dr. Shaharul Akmar mentioned that sampling and monitoring efforts would continue until a clearer understanding of the rabies situation is achieved. He noted that the dog involved in a recent biting incident had died and could not be tested because only its bones and fur remained. This led to sampling from other dogs in the nearby area.
In addition to sampling, the JPV is conducting door-to-door vaccinations for dogs owned by residents. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their pets to designated locations for vaccinations. Since January, 617 owned dogs in Kedah have been vaccinated against rabies as a preventive measure. The department is also capturing and sampling stray dogs.
Kedah, along with Perlis, northern Perak, and Kelantan, is part of the country's 'immune belt' due to its proximity to Thailand, where rabies remains a concern. Continuous vaccination and sampling are aimed at reducing transmission risks, particularly from potentially infected animals crossing borders.
Dr. Shaharul Akmar advised residents who are bitten or scratched by dogs or cats suspected of carrying rabies to seek immediate medical attention. This advice comes after the Kedah Health Department reported the state's first human rabies death since 1998. The victim was a 31-year-old man from Kubang Pasu who died last Sunday after being bitten by a stray dog in August.