Samples from villages test positive for rabies

KUCHING: Two samples collected from Kampung Triboh, Serian and Kampung Spaoh Hulu have been found to be rabies positive.

A statement from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee revealed that the two villages are located within a 10-kilomtre radius of gazetted rabies-infected areas.

It explained the two samples were among 11 sent for tests at the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) in Ipoh, Perak on Aug 15 and 23, the results of which were received by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) on Sunday (Aug 27).

Nine of the samples tested negative for rabies, of which five were from Kuching Division, namely Garden Square, Lorong 4 Jalan Hup Kee, Pangkalan Ampat in Padawan, Taman Rickets and Jalan Sejijak in Batu Kawah.

The other four negative samples were all from Kampung Senyabah in Serian.

It also informed that 229 dogs were vaccinated during the DVS’ dog vaccination exercise at the Serian Veterinary Services Office yesterday.

This brought the total number of pet animals vaccinated up until yesterday to 35,122, comprising 27,225 dogs, 7,822 cats and 45 other animals.

On another development, a total 1,261 stray dogs have been caught during the combined operations conducted by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing and the DVS in Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Samarahan dan Betong divisions.

A total 53 new animal bite cases were reported, comprising 39 in Kuching Division, 12 in Serian Division, and two in Samarahan Division.

Ten of those bite cases were administered with anti-rabies vaccination after clinical tests were conducted.