Thai rabies fighter: Too many stray cats and dogs

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Rabies is endemic in Thailand and can occur all year round, but cases seem to spike in the summer months of February to May. Many believe the heat causes animals to become more aggressive.

A bite from an infected animal is the most common way to catch the virus, although it can also be passed through saliva.

One of those with the job of tackling this year’s outbreak is Dr. Viriya Kaewthong, Director General of the Bureau of Disease Control at the Thai Ministry of Agriculture.

He says one of the biggest risk factors in Thailand is its huge population of stray cats and dogs. One charity, the Soi Dog Foundation, estimates there are as many as eight million stray dogs living on the country’s streets.

Dr. Viriya says authorities have set a target of vaccinating as many animals as possible before the end of the year, in an effort to stamp out rabies.

Strays are being rounded up and brought to vaccination centers. Owners who haven’t already had their pets vaccinated are also being urged to attend.

Dr. Viriya said: “This year there are a lot of people bringing their animals for vaccination because there is a good awareness of the rabies situation.”

Already around 2.8 million animals have been vaccinated. Dr. Viriya says once 80 percent of a group of animals has been immunized they can be considered rabies-free.

Many animals are also being sterilized to prevent breeding and limit the spread of the stray population.

An animal being sterilized at a mobile center. /CGTN Photo‍

Dr. Viriya said: ”We have two methods of controlling the outbreak; One is vaccinating, the second is to reduce the numbers of cats and dogs by sterilization. This makes it easier to control the disease more efficiently.”

Animals found to be infected with rabies have to be put to sleep.

Those believed to be at risk are taken to detention centers and monitored for six months to see if symptoms develop.