Mass anti-rabies vaccination drive in Kuching, Bau this Saturday

KUCHING: The Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (JPVS) will hold a massive antirabies vaccination programme at the Taman Malihah multipurpose hall, KPCA People’s Centre in Kenyalang Park and Kampung Atas multi-purpose hall in Singai, Bau this Saturday (Jan 27) from 9am to 2pm.

A statement from the Secretariat of the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee yesterday said pet owners are required to bring their unvaccinated dogs to get the said injection.

JPVS also advised the public to not allow their pets, whether vaccinated or not, to mix with stray animals and to observe their behaviour for potential changes, such as going from being tame to vicious, biting any moving objects, displaying hydrophobia and fear of light, salivating excessively and displaying aggression.

Animals showing these signs should be immediately reported to JPVS on 082- 612949 or 082- 611607.

JPVS went on to remind that under Section 37( 2) and 37( 3) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999, it is an offence for owners to allow their dogs to roam freely or to remove dogs without written permission from the State Veterinary Authority in rabies-infected areas.

Offenders risk a fine of not more than RM5,000, or a jail term not exceeding three months, or both, if convicted.

According to the statement, the State Health Department recorded 23 new animal bite cases, with eight recorded in Kuching, followed by Samarahan (1), Serian (5), Sri Aman, ( 8) and Sarikei (1).

Of the 23 cases, pet dogs contributed to 12 bites, pet cats (4), stray dogs ( 5) and stray cats (2).

Since April 1 last year, the state has recorded 6,114 animal bite cases, while 2,419 people have received anti- rabies vaccination.