The northeastern province of Buri Ram has already enforced an order declaring all 23 districts as a controlled zone after detecting rabies in 23 of 77 samples sent for testing. The samples were collected from cats, dogs and water buffaloes.

Buri Ram Governor Anusorn Kaewkangwan said that owners of dogs and cats should prevent them from wandering around or out of the houses to prevent them from interacting with infected animals.

The order was issued two years ago, the governor said, and it was only being reinforced.

The samples sent for testing were from several districts, mostly those that are adjacent to neighbouring countries.

Meanwhile Dr Sawat Apiwachaneewong, the chief doctor of Samut Prakan, warned that people should keep a close watch on their pets as well as other animals, particularly dogs. “They should observe their conditions. If the animals have symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, confusion, agitation or abnormal behaviour and paranoia, they should report to authorities concerned and isolate them,” the doctor said.

Those who are bitten or scratched should clean the wounds with clean water and see a doctor immediately.