KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — More cases of humans being bitten by dogs and the culling of dogs have been reported following the rabies outbreak in Kedah, Perlis and Penang, according to the Department of Veterinary Services.
It said in a statement today that dog-bite incidences rose from 133 yesterday to 137 today, with Penang registering the highest number of cases (82), followed by Perlis (34) and Kedah (21).
Besides, 2,669 dogs were culled in the three states that were declared rabies-infected on Sept 17.
A total of 1,624 dogs were put to sleep in Kedah, 748 in Penang and 297 in Perlis, it said.
It also said that the number of dogs administered vaccine remained at 2,570.
The department said it encouraged owners of dogs to confine their pets to their house compounds and enhance the immunity of the animals.
Besides, the department also controlled the stray dog population and monitored incidences of dog bites, it said.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by the Lyssavirus, and humans could be infected from the bite of rabid dogs as well as through cuts on the skin exposed to the saliva, fluids and tissue of infected animals.
A person who had contracted rabies would suffer from fever, body aches, headache, hydrophobia and paralysis and go into a coma.
The disease can cause death if the patient is not treated early.
For enquiries on rabies, the public can contact the head office of the Veterinary Services at 03-88702041 or any department of veterinary services. — Bernama
