SINCE the emergence of the rabies outbreak in 2017, the state government has been actively implementing measures to combat the disease.
Minister of Commodity, Food Industry, and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said that a total of 232,198 anti-rabies vaccinations have been administered to date, with additional vaccination programs planned for the remainder of this year.
“However, we still face challenges as the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak receives an average of 250 animal bite notifications every month,” Dr Rundi said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
The minister added that out of the 181 animal samples collected, 42 have tested positive for rabies. All positive animal sampling cases this year were within the previously declared rabies-infected areas.
According to him, since 2017, a total of 72 areas in Sarawak have been declared as rabies-infected areas, including Kuching (seven), Samarahan (four), Serian (22), Sri Aman (six), Betong (three), Sarikei (five), Sibu (three), Kapit (one), Mukah (six), Bintulu (five), Miri (eight), and Limbang (two).
“From 2017 onwards, we recorded 366 cases of rabid dog bites, with 300 patients surviving due to early treatment. Regrettably, there have been 59 deaths resulting from delays or lack of treatment since the outbreak was declared in the state. This year alone, we have witnessed an increase in the number of cases, with 11 reported cases in May, resulting in nine deaths,” Dr Rundi lamented.
“As part of our action plan, we are actively collaborating and communicating with our neighbouring states of Sabah and Brunei, as well as Indonesia, to monitor border control and animal migration. The Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET), operating under the State Security Unit, has successfully vaccinated over 17,000 dogs across 978 villages. This initiative has been carried out by 32 teams since its establishment in September of last year.”
