9 dog samples confirmed negative of rabies

KUCHING: A statement from the secretariat of Sarawak Disaster Management Committee yesterday confi rmed the nine dog samples sent to Ipoh Veterinary Research Institute on Aug 1 have been tested negative of rabies.

According to the statement, the samples were taken from seven areas, namely, Lorong Regas, Kuching ( one sample), Jalan Padungan, Kuching (one), Jalan Resak, Kuching ( one), Betong ( two), Lubok Antu ( two), Batu Lintang, Sri Aman (one) and Sri Aman (one).

The state Health Department also confi rmed that 32 bite cases were reported yesterday, with Serian Division registering 14 cases, Sri Aman ( five), Kuching (12) and Samarahan (one).

This brings to 1,415 cases the cumulative number of animal bite cases since April 1 this year.

Out of the 32 cases, 12 have been treated with anti- rabies vaccination, which brings to the cumulative number of people receiving anti-rabies vaccination to 770 cases, so far this year.

A total of 189 dogs were also vaccinated in Bau, namely, at Stass, Serikin, Sebobok and Bogag to contain the rabies outbreak

Today( Aug 4), the State Veterinary Services Department ( JPVS) will hold a mass dog vaccination exercise at the Siburan Basketball Court, from 10am to 4pm.

Members of the public living nearby are advised to send their pets to the place to get their pets vaccinated.

Some 24,819 animals have been vaccinated in the state so far. They comprise dogs (17,179), cats (7,595) and other animals (45).