No entry into Penang for dogs from Perak, Sarawak

Penang state government has barred dogs specifically from Perak and Sarawak from entering the state as an effort to contain the spread of rabies.

Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development and Health committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said the decision was taken to prevent rabies from spreading in the state.

Afif said the Penang Veterinary Service Department (DVS) will also conduct roadblocks to monitor the movement and transportation of dogs from Perak into Penang.

"The state veterinary department and all state government agencies have been put on alert to face any possibilities.

"Continuous monitoring is being carried out to ensure no spread of rabies especially from Kuala Sepetang," he said at a press conference today.

He said before this, the state had ordered a mass culling of stray dogs when Penang was hit by rabies outbreak in September 2015.

During the period, brain samples from 241 dogs were tested and the results came back negative for rabies.

He also called on pet owners to vaccinate their dogs to ensure the disease does not spread.

He said, to date, a total of 5,927 dogs were vaccinated and the DVS now has 3,890 bottles of vaccine.

He also reminded the public to seek immediate treatment if they were bitten or were in contact with dogs infected by rabies.

Those with information can contact the DVS at 04-5041047.