Kedah warns against capturing stray dogs following rabies case

The Kedah veterinary services department has issued a public advisory warning residents against capturing or culling stray canines, citing the risk of rabies transmission. Dr Ummi Sumilah Soraya Johar, an official with the department, stressed the importance of vaccination as the primary preventive measure against the disease.

The warning follows confirmation of a rabies case in Kedah, prompting renewed focus on disease control measures across the state. Authorities are concerned that members of the public attempting to handle stray dogs without proper precautions could expose themselves to infection.

Dog owners have been instructed to immediately vaccinate their pets against rabies if immunisations are not current. The department emphasised that vaccination remains the most effective safeguard against the virus, which can be fatal once symptoms develop.

Residents who encounter stray dogs or suspect cases of rabies are advised to contact local veterinary authorities rather than attempt to handle the animals themselves. Officials have urged cooperation from the public in maintaining disease surveillance and reporting suspected cases promptly.