Thai dogs get passports to beat rabies

Stray dogs are the prime cause of rabies infections in Thailand

By Staff and wire reports

BANGKOK, Thailand -- Thailand plans to issue passports to dog owners who want to take their dogs to rabies-free zones in a bid to ensure the safety of tourists.

So far only two islands in Thailand are declared rabies-free zones -- Koh Samui and Koh Samet.

Koh Samui was chosen because it had not had a single report of rabies since 1985. All dogs are vaccinated against the rabies virus in the resort island.

Valid for five years

Passports would be valid for five years and include information on rabies vaccinations, record of ownership and a traveling record, a local Bangkok newspaper reported.

Fifty people died of rabies in Thailand last year. This year 12 people have already died.

Many of rabies victims get the disease from dog bites, especially from stray dogs. In Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist country, the killing of homeless dogs is generally opposed.

The campaign was initiated by the Livestock Development Department with the Communicable Diseases Control Department, the Tourism Authority and the Thai Red Cross Society.

Thailand Government

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