Public should be calm but vigilant

KUCHING: The Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) has called on the public not to react to news of rabies cases in extreme ways, such as killing pet or stray dogs.

In a statement yesterday, SSPCA pointed out that harming animals is punishable under the Sarawak Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.

It advised pet owners to keep their pets within their own compounds as stipulated by council by-laws.

“SSPCA is working closely with the state government and commends their efforts to vaccinate owned pets. We are also working with SOS (Save Our Strays) to vaccinate and neuter healthy stray animals,” said the statement.

It quoted Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) chief technical advisor and rabies expert Dr Eric Brum, who said, “The vaccinated dog is the soldier in the fight against rabies.”

“SSPCA has brought in Dr Andrea Britton from Vets Beyond Borders to meet with ministries and government departments involved in the rabies outbreak to offer advice and to see what other assistance can be given in the immediate situation and the long-term eradication of rabies in Sarawak.

“Vets Beyond Borders is based in Australia and coordinates and runs veterinary-based public health projects in developing communities of the Asia Pacific region and China. They have vaccinated over 50,000 dogs and cats and other animals against rabies. They have sterilised over 35,000 dogs to control street dog populations. She has vast experience in bite case management and implementing programmes for the elimination of dogmediated human rabies,” said the statement.

SSPCA pointed out the rise in reported animal bites does not mean that more animals are biting people.

“What it does mean is that more people are aware of animal bites and are now reporting these bites as should be done during a rabies outbreak or in any country where rabies is present.

“Should you be bitten by a suspected rabid animal, you should immediately and thoroughly wash the wound for 10 minutes with soap and water and seek medical advice. Do not wrap the wound tightly as allowing the blood to flow out will also allow the virus to be washed out,” said the statement.

Answers to frequently asked questions are available on the SSPCA’s Facebook page.

The Department of Veterinary Services operations room hotline for the rabies outbreak is 082-612949 or fax 082-613460.