KUCHING: Samarahan and Serian divisions have been declared as rabies infected divisions after new animal rabies cases were detected in both divisions recently, Datuk Seri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom said.
The Minister Of Food Industry, Commodity And Regional Development said previously declared areas still remain rabies infected areas, including Kuching and Bintulu divisions.
“This declaration is necessary to ensure more effort is taken by the affected divisions. For this year, a total of 20 animals out of 133 samples tested positive for rabies.
“Animal rabies was detected in Kuching (10), Padawan (three), Samarahan, Bau and Tebedu (one each), and Bintulu and Sebauh (two each),” he said in a statement yesterday (Feb 21).
Dr. Rundi added that since 2017, the cumulative figure of dogs that have been vaccinated by the state Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) across Sarawak is 247,267 dogs.
“As for 2023, the team successfully vaccinated 37,254 against the targeted 40,000 heads. The target for 2024 is to vaccinate 50,000 heads of dogs.
DVS Sarawak and the state Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) will continue to intensify the anti-rabies vaccination programmes throughout Sarawak.
“Targeted stray dog removal will be carried out by respective local councils throughout the state to reduce stray populations,” he said.
He reminded the public to take extra precautions and go to a nearby clinic if bitten by an animal.
Meanwhile, for dog owners, he stressed that they must be responsible for their pets and abide by the laws and regulations such as vaccinating, applying for licences, and microchipping their dogs, and not letting their dogs roam freely.
“The local authority may seize and impound any dogs which are not in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by-laws, 2018,” he added.
