Mass vaccination for dogs after sample tested positive for rabies

KUCHING: One of three samples received from Veterinary Research Institute ( VRI) in Ipoh yesterday was found positive for the rabies virus after undergoing the FAT and PCR tests.

The secretariat of the State Disaster Management Committee said in a press statement that the sample was extracted from a dog bite from Genesis Light Industrial Park at Jalan Batu Kawa- Matang here within the declared rabies-infected area.

Hence, a mass vaccination programme for dogs will be carried out at Taman Heng Guan, Matang and Jalan Stephen Yong, Kuching from 10am to 2pm today (Jan 6).

Pet owners are encouraged to bring all their pet dogs to be vaccinated.

Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (JPVS) advised the public not to mix their pets (whether vaccinated or not) with stray animals and to observe their behaviour.

On finding a canine that has changed its behaviour from tame to aggressive, exhibiting fear of water and light, and salivating excessively, owners are advised to contact JPVS at 082- 612949 or 082- 611607 immediately.

JPVS reminded the public that under Section 37(2) and (3) of the Public Health Ordinance 1999, it’s an offence to let dogs roam freely or take dogs away in areas declared rabies-infected without the written permission of the State Veterinary Authority.

A fine not exceeding RM5,000 or jail term not more than three months, or both, will be meted out on an offender.

A total of 42,261 pets comprising 34,229 dogs, 7,987 cats and 45 other animals have been vaccinated against rabies.

The State Health Department revealed a total of 17 new animal bite cases had been reported: six from Kuching, Samarahan (one), Serian (eight) and Sri Aman (two). Subsequently, anti-rabies vaccinations had been carried out.

Of these, 13 cases were caused by pets (eight dogs and five cats) while four cases were bites by strays (three dogs and one cat).

So far, 2,169 people have been vaccinated against rabies since April 2017.