SUPP Women chief urges relevant agencies to re-look efforts in combating rabies

KUCHING: SUPP Central Women chief Kho Teck Wan has urged all relevant agencies and departments from both federal and state governments to relook into the current efforts and restrategise immediately to combat the rabies outbreak in Sarawak.

“The federal agencies especially the Department of Veterinary Services ( DVS), Department of Health, police and border patrols need to work closely with the Sarawak Veterinary Department and local authorities to control the outbreak,” she said in a press statement yesterday.

Kho expressed worry and concern following the two deaths due to rabies recently.

She also proposed for Sarawak government and local agencies to engage and get assistance from international experts as well as non-governmental organisations in efforts to eliminate rabies.

Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), she noted, has been working with the DVS Sarawak to provide mass vaccination at the outbreak and potential outbreak areas in Sarawak since last year.

“Sarawak will need more manpower and funding to combat this outbreak. Moreover, these agencies will be more effective should more manpower, experts’ advice and assistance be provided,” she said.

Kho also urged the Sarawak Veterinary Department to take immediate control measures and setup dog shelters for strays to reduce the number of bite cases.

“The public are advised to seek help at the dog bite unit in the government hospital immediately if they are bitten. All pet dogs should be vaccinated if they have not done so. The public should fully utilise the free mass vaccination campaign carried out by the government,” she said.

She also informed that door-todoor vaccination programme is being carried out in Batu Kawa area currently.

“No dog registration certificate is required. We need urgent control measures. The relevant authorities and public need to work together to fight the rabies outbreak,” she added.