Hundreds bitten by dogs

Hundreds bitten by dogs

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Two hundred and eighty three
residents of four regencies in the province have been bitten by
dogs over the past year, 10 of whom died of rabies.

Antara quoted veterinary surgeon I Made Suparto from the local
office of husbandry as saying that last year seven people died of
rabies in the region.

He said the increase in the number of rabies cases was due to
the severe drought. Food shortages meant the dogs often became
vicious and attacked people, he said.

He said his office had vaccinated 5,500 pet dogs in the past
month and would vaccinate 2,000 more. The office has also
exterminated 3,000 stray dogs, or half of the number targeted.
(swe)