China kills 5,000 dogs to control rabies outbreak

BEIJING, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- In an attempt to curb the spread of rabies in China's southwest Yunnan province, the municipal government has killed more than 4,900 dogs.

The anti-rabies campaign was undertaken after five people died from rabies in Shidian County -- four in August and one in July.

Dog bites were also reported in Longling County and Longyang District, according to Xinhua, although it is unclear whether any of those attacks involved rabies-infected canines. Officials have ordered strays in the area be slaughtered.

The campaign also involves rabies vaccinations; to date, the Baoshan City government has vaccinated 100,00 dogs.