The department’s declaration came shortly after two students of the Wat Nakhon In Municipal School were bitten by a dog infected with rabies late last month.
Those violating the order by transporting animals, dead or alive, face punishment up to a THB40,000 fine (US$1,300) or two years in jail. The rabies outbreak zone remains in effect until Oct. 24.
Here is an unofficial estimation of the affected area with Wat Nakhon In at its center:
The Livestock Department came in for sharp criticism last year after a rabies scare led it to launch a mass round-up and detention program. Many thousands of dogs were taken to ill-equipped facilities where they were not kept in proper conditions, leading thousands to take ill and die, according to the Soi Dog Foundation.
Mass graves were unearthed outside one such facility in the northeast province of Nakhon Phanom. Animal advocates said that mass immunizations to achieve “herd immunity” were more effective and less costly than relocating or wiping out entire populations.
On an upside for animal owners, people in the affected area can bring their dogs and cats the local livestock office for free vaccinations.
Animals infected with rabies will experience symptoms including seizures, a dropped jaw, unusual shyness or aggression and lack of coordination.
Infected humans may experience confusion, strange thoughts, muscle spasms and aggressiveness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms – or their pets – should immediately seek medical attention.
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