Rayong Declares Two Districts Disease Control Zones After Rabies Found
Rayong authorities declared two districts temporary disease control zones after rabies was confirmed in dogs, with three people bitten and requiring vaccinations in late June.
The livestock offices of Kalong and Nikhom Pattana districts in Rayong province declared temporary disease control zones on July 1 after confirming a rabies outbreak in the area. The outbreak has resulted in three people being bitten by dogs and several pets being exposed to the virus. A rabid dog was found in Village 3, Ban Na subdistrict, Kalong district, prompting authorities to designate villages 3, 6, 7, 8, and 11 in Ban Na subdistrict and adjacent areas in Village 8, Cham Khao subdistrict, Khao Chachao district (within a 5-kilometer radius) as temporary disease control zones from June 29 to July 28. Three residents from Village 7, Ban Na subdistrict (two women and one man) were bitten by the rabid dog and have received preventive vaccinations from Kalong Hospital. Two dogs and two cats that were bitten have also received vaccinations. The dog responsible for the attacks subsequently died. In Nikhom Pattana district, a rabid dog was found in Village 2, Phananikhom subdistrict, with no reports yet of human bites or other animal exposures, though authorities have warned residents to closely monitor their livestock. To effectively control the disease, authorities urge the public not to transport dogs or cats in or out of the declared zones without veterinary permission. Anyone discovering pets behaving abnormally or dying of unknown causes must report it to livestock officials within 12 hours. Handling or performing any operations on animal carcasses suspected of rabies is prohibited, with penalties of up to two years imprisonment, fines not exceeding 40,000 baht, or both.
