Samtse has reported an outbreak of rabies infection. A cow at Jarithang village of Ugyentse Gewog tested positive for the virus today. The Samtse District Administration alerted the residents through a public notification shared on its Facebook page. Samtse is the third district to report rabies outbreak this year after Chhukha and Sarpang.
The case emerged after the cow showed symptoms of rabies infection on Tuesday. Although there were no visible dog bite marks, the cow’s deteriorating health prompted the owner to alert the gewog livestock officials.
The cow succumbed to the viral infection yesterday while being kept under observation.
According to the livestock officials, the saliva samples initially tested negative for rabies. But further examination of the cow’s brain sample revealed the presence of the virus.
The affected jersey cow’s calf and four other cattle that came in contact with the infected cow have been isolated and are being closely monitored.
Moreover, family members and livestock officials who came in contact with the animal have taken sterilisation procedures to prevent the risk of contracting the virus.
To contain the outbreak, the affected area has been cordoned off, and preventive measures are being enforced.
The source of the infection remains unknown as of now. However, the village is located along the border.
According to local residents, the last reported rabies case in the gewog was two years ago.
Meanwhile, the district administration said that the livestock sector in collaboration with the health sector, and gewog leaders are in the process of implementing disease containment measures such as administering anti-rabies vaccines for those who have been exposed to the virus and mass anti-rabies vaccine for dogs and cats in Ugyentse Gewog.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Phub Gyem
