Authorities took action by launching an investigation and euthanizing 18 dogs as of Tuesday following consecutive incidents where a pet dog bit six individuals in Me Linh District, Hanoi and subsequently attacked several other canines, according to the district's medical center.

All of the six victims reside in Me Linh Commune of the district and the bitten dogs belong to local residents, the authorities reported on June 23.

Upon suspicion of rabies, the People’s Committee of the commune collected a sample from the pet dog in question and forwarded it to the Central Veterinary Diagnostic Center for testing, which then confirmed the presence of the rabies virus. 

In accordance with regulations, the commune arranged the euthanization of the rabid dog and the canines bitten by it.

The number of dogs euthanized in the commune amounted to 18 as of Tuesday.

The commune additionally arranged the administration of rabies vaccines to local dogs and cats that have not been vaccinated.

The individuals who were bitten by the rabid dog were administered rabies vaccinations and anti-rabies serum transfusions and received guidance from healthcare professionals to monitor their health.

Following the incident, the Medical Center of Me Linh District has further advised local dog owners to ensure their confinement by using locks or chains, prohibiting them from roaming freely. 

Health authorities also recommended that households selling dog meat should have their canines vaccinated against rabies or discontinue trading in fresh dog meat products.

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