Rabid dogs raise alarm

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: As many as 35,000 dogs may have to be slaughtered following the discovery of rabies by the Sikka regency administration.

The Sikka health office said on Wednesday that it would begin an information campaign this week to warn all dog owners of the dangers of rabies.

Teams will be sent to every village in the regency to check all dogs. The campaign includes the screening of a video to depict the dangers of rabid dogs.

The rabies alarm was raised after five people who were bitten by dogs developed symptoms of rabies. A laboratory test on a dog has since confirmed the fear. (yac)