Press Releases

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), in support of "World Rabies Day 2009", will hold an exhibition from tomorrow (September 26) to Monday (September 28) at Tuen Mun Town Hall to raise public awareness and understanding of responsible pet ownership and the importance of rabies prevention.

The exhibition will include display panels on proper attitude to pet keeping and animal adoption procedures, as well as information about dog licensing, microchipping and vaccination against rabies. Pamphlets will also be distributed.

"Hong Kong has a good track record of rabies control and has been rabies-free for 20 years. Maintenance of our rabies-free status hinges upon the effective rabies regulatory regime and co-operation from the public," an AFCD spokesman said.

"Rabies is a fatal disease and can be transmitted from infected dogs to humans through dog bites. Although the last animal rabies case was reported in 1987, we should stay vigilant and take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the disease," the spokesman said.

"A comprehensive anti-rabies programme has been implemented by the department with vaccination as the key measure."

Under the Rabies Ordinance, all dogs aged over five months must be vaccinated against rabies, licensed and microchipped. Offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of $10,000.

"Currently, about 160,000 dogs with valid licences are vaccinated. To ensure an adequate level of protection against rabies, dogs must be re-vaccinated every three years when the dog licence is renewed," the AFCD spokesman said.

Vaccination is available from private veterinary surgeons or the AFCD's animal management centres.

"As a precautionary measure, people who are bitten by dogs should immediately seek medical attention and report the case to the police, who will forward the information to the AFCD for investigation," the spokesman said.

"People should observe good hygiene and avoid feeding stray dogs," the spokesman said.

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