KUCHING: Sarawak has confirmed 11 new animal rabies-positive cases for the month of March, as detected by the Sarawak Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (SVDL), Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak.
According to Minister Of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, these cases were detected across several areas in Kuching, Bau, and Padawan, with multiple instances involving stray and free-roaming dogs.
“The affected locations include Kampung Sejijak, Batu Kawa where a free-roaming pet dog was involved in a bite case. Stray dogs were also found to be rabies-positive in Kampung Surih Stapok, Lorong 5, off Jalan Batu Kawa, MJC Factory in Batu Kawa, and Jalan Bau Lama in Pekan Paku, Bau.
“Additional bite cases were reported at Jalan Semaba Batu 5, Jalan Penrissen, Padawan, Jalan Sebuku in Buso, Bau, and Pekan Paku, Bau, involving free-roaming pets.
“Stray dogs were also identified in Kampung Nyabut, Trombol, Telaga Air, Taman Hillside in Matang Sungai Tengah, Padawan, and Taman Desa Sejijak Lorong 1A3 Area in Padawan, with each case linked to bite incidents,” he said in statement.
Thus, Dr Rundi urged the public to take immediate action as all pet owners within a 1 km radius of the infected areas are required to vaccinate their pets.
“DVSS together with local councils and Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) from UKPS will carry out anti-rabies vaccination and licensing throughout Sarawak during their mass vaccination campaign which will be announced from time to time at the official DVS Sarawak Facebook account.
“Public can get their free dog anti-rabies vaccination at any government veterinary offices and apply for a license at their respective council during office hours. Private veterinary clinics are also providing rabies vaccines with minimal cost,” he said.
Dr Rundi stressed that dog owners are responsible to get their pets vaccinated.
“I have signed the anti-rabies vaccination order under Section 40(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 (VPHO 1999), which mandates that all dogs in the state must undergo anti-rabies vaccination and receive annual boosters.
“Failure to comply is an offence and may be fined up to RM 2,500,” he said.
He said the government will host a free anti-rabies vaccination, dog licensing, and microchipping event at Dewan Masyarakat Jalan Padungan on Apr 12, from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm while another event will take place at Balai Raya Desa Wira on Apr 26, also from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.
“Join us to protect your furry friends and ensure the safety of the community. We are also offering subsidised neutering services for dogs,” added Dr Rundi.
