Thousands of dogs exterminated in S. Sumatra
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 01/21/2011
An escalation in reports of rabies cases has prompted the Agriculture and Fisheries Agency of Muaraenim Regency, South Sumatra, to exterminate thousands of feral dogs, among its efforts to control a potential outbreak.
“This month alone we have confirmed one rabies case that killed a resident," Muaraenim Agriculture and Fisheries Agency chief Teguh said Friday as quoted by tribunnews.com.
According to a Participatory Disease Surveillance and Response (PDSR) report, the victim was a resident of Gaung Asam Village in the district of Lembak, Muaraenim. Autopsy reports confirmed the victim had contracted rabies after being bitten by a feral dog – which potentially means the virus has infected the population of feral dogs around the region.
In 2009, four confirmed rabies cases were reported in Muaraenim regency and a further six were confirmed in 2010 by the PDSR. A total of 4,492 feral dogs have been exterminated by the agency from 2008-2010.
“Dogs are not the only animals that can carry rabies. Other animals including cats and monkeys can also spread the virus. Residents should be watchful of symptoms and report any suspected cases to the authorities immediately,”
za 22 jan 2011 - 4:42
