Vietnam reports rabies outbreak in remote border commune; 15 dogs culled, two people treated

The outbreak was detected earlier this month in Ia Toi, a mountainous commune near the Cambodian border.

On July 9, residents in Village 7 reported two dogs displaying abnormal behavior, including foaming at the mouth, drooling, and attacking other dogs.

One of the animals also showed signs of rear-leg paralysis, a typical symptom of rabies, according to the provincial animal health agency.

Local officials confirmed that the two suspected rabid dogs had bitten nine other dogs and one person.

One of the dogs tested positive for rabies after it was captured and euthanized.

Authorities later tested two of the nine bitten dogs, with one sample returning positive.

A total of 15 dogs were subsequently culled to prevent further spread, the agency said.

Two people who were bitten have received rabies vaccines and immune globulin treatment.

Their health is being closely monitored, officials said.

Ia Toi Commune, previously part of old Kon Tum Province before it was merged with Quang Ngai, has a dog population of approximately 290, raising concerns over surveillance and containment.

Local authorities have banned the transport of dogs and cats in and out of the area and launched a campaign to capture stray animals.

Veterinary teams have been instructed to conduct a rapid vaccination drive, particularly targeting households with animals in close contact with the outbreak.

Residents are being urged to report abnormal animal behavior and are prohibited from selling, slaughtering, or releasing potentially infected animals.

With a population of about 7,200 spread across 760 square kilometers of mostly mountainous terrain, Ia Toi is Quang Ngai’s largest and one of its most remote communes.

Officials say these conditions pose challenges for disease control and public health communication.

The Quang Ngai animal health agency said it continues to monitor the outbreak daily and is preparing further containment measures.