Bangkok, Samut Prakan Declare Rabies Zones, Ban Animal Movement

Authorities in Bangkok and Samut Prakan have declared several districts, including Nong Bon in Prawet district, as rabies epidemic zones following an outbreak confirmed by infected animals in the area. A 30-day ban on the movement of dogs, cats, cattle, buffalo, and other mammals has been imposed from September 9 to October 8, requiring written permission from an authorized veterinarian for any transport. Residents are required to report sick animals within 12 hours and are instructed to leave carcasses untouched until veterinary officers arrive. Violators of these orders face penalties of up to two years in prison and fines up to 40,000 baht (approximately US$1,600). The public has been urged to exercise extreme caution, avoid contact with stray animals, and seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The Bangkok Veterinary Public Health Office has deployed a rabies control unit to affected areas to manage and contain the outbreak.