Penang on high alert, to set up a ‘buffer zone’

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has been put on high alert for any spread of the viral disease.

Penang Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said Penang would set up a ‘buffer zone’ especially at the southern part of the state.

“I will be having a meeting with the Veterinary Department tomorrow to discuss the matter further.

“We are now vaccinating and monitoring dogs in the state. The vaccination programme has been ongoing.

“Dog owners are advised to get their dogs vaccinated,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Dr Afif said all the health department officers have been told to be on extra alert for dog attacks or dog-bite cases at the southern part of Penang, especially near Bandar Baharu in Kedah and Parit Buntar in Perak.

“The public also need to play their role by informing the Health Department and Veterinary Depart-ment immediately if they encounter dog attacks.

“Report immediately so that samples can be taken from the dogs,” he said.

He added that taking photos of the dog which bit them could help the authorities to identify and take further action to control the spread of the disease.

“It is important to note the colour, shape and size of the dog that bit you. It is also important to know the location and time,” he said.

Dr Afif also said no rabies cases were reported in Penang since 2015.

It was reported that the last positive case of rabies was in Balik Pulau on Sept 21, 2015.

Back then, it was also reported that Penang had three positive rabies cases. Over 2,000 stray dogs had to be culled then between September and October as a strategy to curb rabies.