LUNDU: The State Disaster Management Committee yesterday had its post-mortem review of the first phase of the Rabies Operation Pilot Project at the local council’s community hall.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee, chaired the meeting that was also attended by local community leaders and all relevant agencies involved in the four-day operation.
“Overall, the operation was a success, especially in achieving its set objectives of vaccinating 100 per cent of the dog (pets) population and the removal of strays,” said Uggah.
The standard operating procedure (SOP) was to work closely with the local community leaders who helped the team identify strays for removal.
The dog population in Lundu before the operation was estimated to be 2,794. Throughout the operation, 2,559 (91pct) were successfully vaccinated, while 673 strays were removed.
“Some shortcomings were also identified during the meeting and we’ve discussed them in detail to ensure a better outcome during the next phase of the operation,” he said.
“I was also informed that some issues were raised on social media. So far, three investigations have been initiated against those who had spread fake news on social media.
“We notice that there are a lot of allegations on social media and threats made to our personnel on the ground. Therefore, I would like to advice the team to ensure that the process of the operation be strictly followed.”
The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) pointed out that under the law any dog found within a rabies-infected area which is not under effective control may be destroyed by the authority and any person authorised may enter any land, building or premises for the purpose of carrying out the provision of this law.
Even though the dogs were vaccinated, but found roaming freely, they may also be euthanised unless they were confirmed to have been immunised against rabies.
According to the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 (VPHO), under Section 37 (3), the owner or person in-charge of any dog within an rabies-infected area shall cause such dog to be kept under effective control, either by, (a) Confining it within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for the dog to escape; or (b) Tying it up securely; or (c) Leading it by a chain or strong lead properly secured to a collar or harness worn by the dog.
The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak has sent out five mopping teams to this district to run its vaccination and surveillance programme after the sweeping operation.
This is to ensure that the main goal to vaccinate hundred per cent of dogs will be achieved, and at the same time install dog collars that serve as official markings in addition to the vaccination certificates.
He said, “I wish to record our appreciation to the community leaders in Lundu, as well as the assemblyman of the area for their support and cooperation in facilitating the smooth implementation of the operation.
“We also thank the public for their cooperation in the fight to eradicate rabies in Sarawak.”
For the public’s information, the department will give mass vaccination on March 9 at Dewan Persatuan Masyarakat Stampin in Kampung Stutong Baru.
Members of the public are urged to bring their dogs there for free vaccination between 9am and 2pm.
