The Kantharalak District Livestock Office announced a temporary disease control zone within a 5-kilometer radius after a stray dog infected with rabies bit a total of 8 people. They are intensifying vaccination efforts for animals in the high-risk area and emphasized that anyone who encounters a suspected sick animal should report it to officials immediately.
On 26 Jul 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that a stray dog, black with a white neck and appearing very thin, drooling abnormally, was chasing and biting people shopping at the Thanjai Market in Kantharalak Municipality, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. This caused panic among vendors and shoppers as the dog moved through several areas, resulting in 8 people being bitten.
After the incident, Thanjai Market issued a warning advising anyone bitten or scratched by the dog, as well as those in close contact, to promptly seek treatment and receive rabies vaccination at Kantharalak Hospital within 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection.
Recently, Sak Sin Kulbutdee, Deputy Mayor of Kantharalak Municipality, along with Panadda Pramapan, Kantharalak District Livestock Officer, led officials from the Public Health and Environment Department of Kantharalak Municipality, livestock officers, Kantharalak Hospital staff, local administration, and related agencies to investigate the case. They sent dog samples to the Lower Northeastern Veterinary Research and Development Center in Surin Province for testing.
Laboratory results confirmed that the dog was infected with rabies. Consequently, the Kantharalak District Livestock Office declared a temporary disease control zone within a 5-kilometer radius to regulate animal movement and promptly began vaccinating all at-risk animals around the outbreak site.
Sak Sin revealed that on the first day of fieldwork, the dog was not found. Investigation showed that 6 people in Thanjai Market were bitten; 5 had received vaccinations. The sixth, later identified via CCTV as a resident of Sangmek Subdistrict, reported only clothing bites without injury and did not seek medical care.
The same dog later bit two more villagers near Ban Pa Mai before locals helped eliminate it and notified livestock officials for inspection. The dog's head was sent for testing, which confirmed rabies infection, prompting officials to immediately implement disease control measures.
Panadda said that although most owned pets had received full vaccinations, booster shots are necessary to maximize immunity. Officials conducted mass vaccination campaigns within a 5-kilometer radius, covering communities including Sawang Sukhajai, Sawang Kaona, Sawang Ruamjai Samakki, Kaona Samakki, Nong Proong Pattana, Non Muang, Ban Ua Arthorn, Muang Thong, Nong Ya Lat 1 and Nong Ya Lat 2, as well as the entire affected area.
The Kantharalak District Livestock Office also urged the public to strictly vaccinate their dogs and cats as scheduled, since rabies is a deadly zoonotic disease. Proper vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection.
They further emphasized that if any sick or unusually dead animals are found, people must not perform necropsies or dispose of carcasses themselves but should promptly notify local livestock officials. Those bitten or scratched by dogs or cats should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, apply antiseptic, and see a doctor promptly for vaccination, as rabies symptoms have nearly a 100% fatality rate once they appear.
