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By Chaturanga Samarawickrama   

Attention has been drawn to the spread of rabies among a herd of deer in the Homagama area, Public Health Veterinary Service Director Dr. L.D. Kithsiri said.   
He said the health authorities have already launched an investigation in this regard into the deaths of 15 deer from the herd that had been found dead.   

Investigations revealed that two deer were infected by rabies. Dr. Kithsiri said that there is no need to panic.   

People in the area are being advised in this regard. A vaccination programme for dogs has started in the area to prevent the spread.   

“Rabies can spread not only through dogs but also by other animals such as deer and  mongoose” the doctor said.   Dr. Kithsiri warned residents in the area to be careful of the possibility of infected animal saliva from the deer that had been grazing in  their land and gardens.     

• Rabies can spread not only through dogs but also by other animals such as deer, and mongoose