KUCHING: As of November, Sarawak has reported 17 rabies infections, with 15 of them resulting in death.
Since the first recorded case of rabies in 2017, the cumulative number of cases in Sarawak has reached 72, with 65 resulting in fatalities, according to Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
“Two weeks ago, I attended the Rabies Conference in Borneo 2023 and one thing about rabies is that, it is preventable.
“The most important thing is the authorities, non-governmental organisations and local councils should continue their collaborations wholeheartedly.”
He said this during the 22nd Federation of Asian Veterinary Association (FAVA 2023) Congress held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today (Nov 3).
Speaking on the FAVA 2023 Congress, Dr Rundi said the congress has the purpose of advancing the veterinary profession and the practice of veterinary medicine, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for the people of the Asia-Oceania region and serve as an ideal forum for veterinarians to meet and share their diverse insights and experiences.
“This year’s congress will look into the global threat of climate change, biodiversity loss, animal health and welfare.
“With the theme “Asia United for Animal Health and Welfare, FAVA Congress 2023 managed to explore topics such as animal health, one health, animal welfare, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance and many more.
“To effectively address the numerous challenges in zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, transboundary animal diseases and other aspects affecting the society require nations to have a robust and effective veterinary services workforce, whether in the public or private sector.”
For the record, FAVA is a regional organisation whose membership is consisted of 27 different professional veterinary associations, associate, and affiliate members in the Asia Oceania region with more than 100, 000 veterinarians while MAVMA is a professional association for all registered veterinary surgeons under the Malaysian Veterinary Council.
Present during the ceremony were Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and other distinguished guests.
