Public cautioned over out-of-town dogs

SIBU: The public here have been reminded not to bring in any dogs from outside the town as there is no certainty that these canines are rabies-free.

Assistant Minister of Housing and Public Health Dr Annuar Rapaee gave this advice yesterday, urging the public to ensure that Sibu division remains a buffer zone for rabies.

“The public here especially during this festive season should not bring in any dogs from other places especially affected areas like Serian or Kuching to be kept as pets. Whether it is buying from someone or given by somebody – this should not be allowed.

“Please be careful as we do not know if the dog has already been infected (with rabies virus). There were cases in Julau previously where the (infected) dog is from outside (Julau) and not a local one,” he reminded.

He also revealed that tests on samples from all freeroaming dogs caught here were negative for rabies virus thus far.

Dr Annuar, who heads Sibu Division Rabies Control Committee, was asked on the recent media report that a 21-year-old woman had become the latest fatality from rabies infection in Sarawak.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah reportedly said that the victim, who was from Kampung Koran Bari in Serian, was bitten in the right arm area while trying to bathe the dog.

It was reported that the dog was a stray brought home by the victim’s father to be kept as pet.

On this, Dr Annuar responded: “Our advice is that all dog bites should be treated as risk irrespective if it by a pet dog or stray. Stray dogs have high risks of infected with rabies virus.”

He also cautioned that pet dogs when let out of the compound might fight with other roaming dogs and get infected.

“Well, you never know that your pet dog might have fought with stray dogs at your house gate and got infected. Hence, pet dogs are not at zero risk of contracting rabies virus.”

The Nangka assemblyman also reminded pet owners that it is not 100 per cent that all dogs will acquire immunity after given the vaccination.

“The owners must bring their pets for anti-rabies vaccination once a year,” he stressed.

Dr Annuar also mentioned that anti-rabies vaccination programme here is still on-going and now going door-todoor at outskirt areas.