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Jittery Penang bans entry of dogs from S'wak, Perak

The Penang government has banned the entry of dogs from rabies-hit states of Perak and Sarawak with immediate effect to prevent the spread of rabies to the state.

State agriculture, agro-based industries, rural development and health committee chairperson Dr Afif Bahardin said the department of veterinary services (DVS) would also conduct roadblocks at the state border to stop the transportation of dogs from Perak into Penang.

"The ban is especially for pet dogs while for wild dogs (strays), we will collaborate with the local authorities and state health department to monitor them.

"Penang doesn’t have any new rabies cases since the outbreak in September 2015. The state government and DVS are always on high alert to stop rabies from spreading to the state," he told a press conference here today.

Call to vaccinate pets

He said dog owners were also required to have their animals vaccinated and could be fined up to RM5,000 if they failed to do so.

Afif said they could get their pets vaccinated at the department in Bukit Tengah or the DVS clinic in Jalan Gurdwara, George Town or any private veterinary clinic in Penang.

"Currently, the DVS has 3,870 doses of the vaccine and the amount will be increased when needed. The state operations room has remained open since the last rabies outbreak and dog owners can come to get the injections.

The operations room can be reached at 04-5041047," he said.

He said 7,500 licensed dogs in Penang had been vaccinated while the state had a stray population of more than 10,000 dogs.

The public is advised to remain vigilant against rabies and stay away from wild dogs.

"Pet owners, especially dogs, and cats, are encouraged to get the Pet Passport for their animals to make it easier for the authorities at the border to verify the health and immunisation records through the microchips placed under their skin,” he said.

- Bernama

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