GEORGE TOWN, Sept 24 — No licensed or pet dogs in Penang are found positive for rabies infection so far, said state Health and Rural Development, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin.
He said the government was focusing on licensed and pet dogs and dog owners could do their part in the handling of the dogs they reared, among others by ensuring food containers were kept clean.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the fourth victim bitten by a dog in the state, Mangaleswari Dhanabalan, 28, in a private hospital here today, he said at present such cases involved wild and abandoned dogs that were found positive for the rabies virus.
Also present were Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon.
Dr Afif said anti rabies vaccine could still be obtained from the Veterinary Service Department in Bukit Tengah, Bukit Mertajam with efforts being made to replenish stocks.
Meanwhile recalling the incident, Mangaleswari, a nurse, said she was bitten on the right thigh by a street dog that attacked her while she was opening the door of her car.
Mangaleswari, who immediately sought treatment at a hospital, said the doctor administered four vaccine injections as a prevention measure and she had not suffered from any rabies-related symptoms so far.
She is expected to be discharged from the hopsital tomorrow. — Bernama
