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)