SRDC takes rabies issue seriously, stresses chairman
SIBU: The Public Health Standing Committee of Sibu Rural District Council ( SRDC) will hold a meeting next week to come up with measures in tackling the issues of rabies and stray dogs.
SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said this would be in line with the state government’s allout campaign against stray dogs, which was declared following the rise in cases of bites by suspected rabid dogs in Kuching and Julau last month.
“We will intensify our efforts in catching stray dogs in areas within our jurisdiction. Members of the public are to be more vigilant on safety of their surroundings, like avoiding contact with dogs showing unusual behaviour or those that exhibit rabies symptoms,” he said yesterday, reminding dog owners to keep their pets within their house compounds or inside cages.
“Members of the public must report to Sibu Veterinary Services Department and Health Department should they see any dog exhibiting rabies symptoms.
“If any of their family members is bitten by dogs, they must seek medical attention immediately,” advised Sempurai.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas recently said the State Disaster Management Committee had decided to launch an operation to catch stray dogs following the rising number of reported dog bites, in a bid to curb the spread of rabies in the state.
Meanwhile, state Health Department advised those bitten by dogs to immediately clean bite wounds with soap and clean running water thoroughly for 15 minutes.
“Then, (they must) go to the nearest clinic or hospital for further assessment and treatment,” it said.