KUCHING: Another 10 areas in Sibu have been declared rabies-infected as of Saturday.
The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) said the new areas are Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Lorong Permai Timur, Kampung Bahagia Jaya Teku, Sibujaya, Batu 1⁄2 Jalan Oya, Jalan Hua Kiew, Ulu Sungai Merah, Taman Sanhill Barat, Jalan Oya Lama and Jalan Sentosa.
“All these ten areas are within the 10km radius of the two previously declared rabies-infected areas in Sibu,” said DVSS in a statement on Saturday.
To date, a total of 64 areas in Sarawak have been declared as rabies-infected since July 2017.
Kuching has registered seven cases of rabies; Sri Aman, Sarikei and Mukah – five cases each; Sibu (two); Miri (six); Bintulu and Samarahan – four cases each; Betong (three); Kapit (one), while Serian has registered the most number of cases with 22 to date.
“Therefore, all dogs in the rabies-infected areas are mandated to get vaccinated against rabies. And in accordance with the Anti-rabies Vaccination Order, all dogs in Sarawak must be vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccine,” it said.
Any owner or individual in-charge of a dog who fails without reasonable cause to comply with the law shall be fined not more than RM2,500 under Section 40, Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO) 1999 and dogs without evidence of vaccination may be detained or removed under this section, while owners who let their dogs roam freely on the streets shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 37, VPHO 1999.
“Dog owners must keep their dogs under effective control either by confining it within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for the dog to escape, or tying it up securely, or leading it by a chain or cord secured to a collar or harness worn by the dog.
“The local authority may seize and impound any dogs not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by-laws, 2018,” it said.
The department also reminded that it was important for all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies annually.
In the meantime, the department’s anti-rabies vaccination was still ongoing even during the recovery movement control order (RMCO).
“Dog owners can bring their dogs to any nearby DVSS divisional offices to get their free anti-rabies vaccination during office hours.
“However they have to adhere to the current standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as social distancing, use hand sanitiser and face mask,” it said, adding that for certain areas, DVSS would conduct mobile vaccinations at the villages to reach out to the rural areas in the state.
From January 1, 2020 to June 13, 2020, DVSS said a total of 7,518 dogs had been vaccinated with the anti-rabies vaccine. This brings the cumulative number of dogs vaccinated from 2017 until June 13, 2020 to 158,322.
