Kubang Pasu:A total of 98 animal samples were collected for rabies detection in the Kubang Pasu district as part of ongoing disease control and prevention efforts from September 27 until recently.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Shaharul Akmar Talib, director of the Kedah Veterinary Services Department (JPV), reported that none of the samples tested positive for rabies. The surveillance was conducted within a 10-kilometre radius of an outbreak site after a confirmed rabies case in a 31-year-old man from Kubang Pasu, who passed away on September 27.

Since the operation began, 235 stray dogs, 23 stray cats, and 161 pet dogs have been monitored. Additionally, 49 pet dogs belonging to 11 owners were vaccinated yesterday, increasing the total to 138 owners and 329 dogs vaccinated during this period.

Dr. Shaharul Akmar noted recent reports of a dog-bite incident involving a pet dog and two cat-bite cases. A complaint about the stray dog population was also received, adding to a total of 24 complaints since September 27.

The public is advised to report any animal bites or scratches immediately and ensure their pets are vaccinated and properly controlled. Previously, the Kedah Health Department confirmed a rabies case in the man, who had been bitten by a stray dog in August, showing symptoms by September 18 and testing positive on September 26. This was the first human rabies case in Kedah since 1998, with the last animal case reported in 2018.