First phase of pilot integrated rabies operation in Lundu a success – Uggah

KUCHING: The first phase of the integrated rabies operation’s pilot project in Lundu district was a success, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

“Overall, the operation was a success, especially in achieving its set objectives; to vaccinate 100 per cent of the dog ( pets) population and the target removal of strays,” said Uggah in a statement after he chaired the rabies operation’s first phase post mortem in Lundu yesterday.

Uggah, who is Sarawak Disaster Management Committee chairman, said the dog population in Lundu before the operation was estimated to be 2,794 and during the four- day operation, 2,559 dogs (91 per cent) were successfully vaccinated, while 673 strays were removed.

“Some shortcomings were also identified during the meeting and we’ve discussed these shortcomings in detail for a better operational outcome during the next phase of the operation,” he added.

He also said action had been taken against those who spread fake news on the operation.

“I was also informed that there were some issues being raised on the social media. So far, three investigation papers have been filed against those who had spread fake news on the social media.

“We noticed that there are a lot of allegation on social media and threats made to our personnel on the ground,” he said.

As such, he had advised the team to ensure that the process of the operation is clearly followed.

Meanwhile, the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak ( DVSS) explained that, under Section 37( 4), any dog found within a rabies-infected area which is not under effective control in accordance with subsection ( 3) may be destroyed by the authority and any person authorised may enter any land, building or premises for the purpose of carrying out the provision of this subsection.

It said that even though the dogs were vaccinated but found to be free roaming, they may also be euthanized unless it is confirmed that they are immune from rabies infection.

According to the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 ( VPHO), under Section 37 ( 3) the owner or person in charge of any dog within a rabies-infected area shall cause such dog to be kept under effective control, either by;

a) Confining it within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for the dog to escape; or b) Tying it up securely; or c) Leading it by a chain or lead of strong cord or leather properly secured to a collar or harness worn by the dog.

DVSS also mentioned in the same statement that it had sent out five mopping teams to Lundu District for vaccination and surveillance programme after the sweeping operation.

It explained this was to ensure “our main goal to vaccinate hundred per cent of dogs will be achieved, at the same time to install the dog collar as an official marking besides the issuance of vaccination certificate”.

Meanwhile, the meeting was also attended by the Ketua Masyarakat ( community leaders) of the area and all relevant agencies involved in the four- day operation.

Uggah said the standard operating procedure ( SOP) of this operation was to work closely with the Ketua Kaum and Ketua Masyarakat in Lundu.

He added the Ketua Kaum and Ketua Masyarakat were there to guide the team in identifying strays for removal.

“I wish to record our appreciation to the Ketua Kaum and Ketua Masyarakat in Lundu, as well as the YB ADUN (elected representative) in the area for their support and cooperation in facilitating the smooth implementation of the operation. We would also like to thank the public for their cooperation in this fight to eradicate rabies in Sarawak,” added Uggah.

The DVSS also informed that it is conducting a mass vaccination on March 9 (this Saturday) at the Dewan Persatuan Masyarakat Stampin, Kampung Stutong Baru. It appealed to the public to bring their dogs for free vaccination from 9am to 2pm.