Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang voiced concern on Thursday over the number of rabies cases reported in the city, which has over 100,000 stray dogs.

He said preventive measures against the deadly virus must be devised and the situation closely monitored.

City Hall has also instructed its public health service centres and 50 district offices to mobilise teams to provide rabies vaccines for pets and stray animals at communities across Bangkok from last Monday.

As of now, the vaccine has been administered to more than 8,000 animals throughout the city.

In addition, a campaign to raise public awareness of the disease has been launched. Pet owners have been urged to get their pets inoculated.

City Hall has also set up a stray dog shelter in Prawet district that can handle up to 2,000 dogs. It is currently around half full.

Pol Gen Aswin said he was not overly concerned about animals with owners as most have already been vaccinated.

The Bangkok governor was speaking during a visit to Bangkok Noi to campaign against rabies.

He said Bangkok is among 22 provinces to be declared temporary rabies epidemic zones and rabies-prone areas by the Department of Livestock Development (DLD).

Six animals have been found to have contracted the disease in the capital. These were in Don Muang, Bang Khen, Bang Sue and Chatuchak districts. 

There have been no reported human deaths from rabies in Bangkok, but four have died in Trang, Songkhla, Surin and Nakhon Ratchasima this year.

Pol Gen Aswin assured the public that none of the strays kept in shelters were at risk of cruel treatment from City Hall.

Campaigns of vaccination and to raise public awareness of rabies are being conducted throughout the country.