KUCHING: The Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) of the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in Sarawak has successfully vaccinated 36,567 dogs out of the targeted 40,000 by the end of this year.
In a statement released yesterday (Oct 12), Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi disclosed that Sarawak had reported 15 deaths from 17 rabies cases this year, bringing the cumulative total of human rabies cases to 72, with 65 fatalities, since July 2017.
The cases of animal rabies were identified in various areas including Kuching with 51 cases, Padawan (13), Samarahan (8), Bintulu (7), Tebedu (6), Lundu (6), Bau (2), Sibu (2), Lawas (1). Marudi (1), Selangau (1), Siburan (1) and Simunjan (1).
The total number of areas declared as rabies-infected since 2017 is 73.
In response to the rising cases, DVS, in collaboration with Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), has intensified anti-rabies vaccination programmes across Sarawak.
A mass vaccination, licensing and microchipping programme for dogs will take place from October 21 to 22 from 9 am to 4 pm at the Market Parking Lot, Taman Tunku in Miri.
With the rise in rabies cases in Sarawak for both human and animals, Rundi reminded the public to take extra precaution and to go to the clinics if bitten by animals.
He also reminded dog owners of the mandatory requirement to vaccinate their pets against rabies under Section 40, VPHO 1999, and failure to comply might result in a fine of up to RM1,000.
Owners who allow their dogs to roam freely on the streets could face fines not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 37, VPHO 1999.
Additionally, dog owners are required to keep their pets under effective control, confining them within enclosed areas to prevent escape.
The Local Authority is authorised to seize and impound dogs not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by-laws, 2018.
