Dog owners in Changlun, Kedah are stepping up precautions and vaccinating their pets following the state’s first human rabies death since 1998.
JITRA: Dog owners in Changlun are taking extra precautions, including getting their pets vaccinated against rabies, following the death of a 31-year-old man from the infection on Sept 27, the first human rabies death reported in Kedah since 1998.
A Bernama survey around Changlun town found that most dog owners were ensuring their pets did not roam freely, while taking them for free rabies vaccinations provided by the veterinary authorities.
Yap Sow Min, 70, secretary of the Phoo Kiu Se Temple in Changlun, said the temple association had organised an annual rabies vaccination campaign since 2023 as a preventive measure and to raise awareness among dog owners.
“People here are already aware of the threat of infection, but when an unexpected case occurs and results in a death, dog owners naturally become more concerned.
“Dogs kept by residents here are usually not allowed to roam, but there is concern if dogs from outside wander around looking for food as they could pose a risk,” she told Bernama when met in Changlun near here today.
She said dog owners should take advantage of the free vaccinations as the measure not only protects their pets but is also important for the safety of people around them.
“We all need to be vigilant because the disease can threaten health. The vaccination campaigns and programmes conducted by the veterinary authorities are good, but they should be further expanded through social media so that the information reaches more residents,” she said.
Meanwhile, resident M. Prabu, 44, said he had taken his three pet dogs for vaccination and registered their licences as a sign of compliance with regulations and as a safety precaution.
“After getting them vaccinated, I feel a little relieved and less worried. We are doing this for the safety of ourselves, our family and others so that anything unwanted does not happen,” he said.
For Lim Chai Po, 78, he immediately took his two pet dogs for vaccination after learning of the death.
“This is a precautionary measure. It is frightening when there has already been a death, so it is better to take preventive action early,” he said.
The Kedah State Health Department (JKN) had detected a human rabies death in the state, involving a 31-year-old man from Kubang Pasu district who had a history of being bitten by a stray dog in August and died last Sunday.
