Authorities have confirmed a case of rabies in a dog in Mueang district and are stepping up disease control measures, officials said. Provincial livestock chief Phasavee Somjai said laboratory tests on a dog’s brain sample confirmed rabies in Nong Bua Sala subdistrict. Veterinary and local officials have launched an investigation and containment response. The case stems from an incident on 21 April at 16:20, when a stray dog entered a home, bit another dog and later collapsed and died near a temple. Samples were collected and sent for testing.

Officials have begun vaccinating stray dogs in high-risk areas and plan sterilisation programmes to control the population and reduce long-term transmission risks. Residents have been warned that bites, scratches or even saliva contact with open wounds can transmit the virus. Untreated rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The warning follows a recent fatal case in the district, in which a 54-year-old man died in February after developing symptoms consistent with rabies following a dog bite. Authorities said heightened surveillance is being enforced in neighbouring areas.