KUCHING: The public should realise the changing patterns of rabies, as it no longer involves just stray dogs but also household pets, including cats.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian stressed the importance of vigilance in preventing rabies, urging the public to work with the authorities to eliminate rabies in Sarawak by 2030.
He also emphasised the urgent need for annual vaccinations for pets to combat the threat posed by both cats and domesticated dogs.
“The rabies pattern has shifted, and it is crucial for everyone to recognise this change. Vaccination is essential to prevent rabies and protect both animals and humans.
“If you experience scratches or bites from animals, please take immediate action and visit bite clinics promptly.
“Receiving the rabies vaccine after an animal bite can ensure that the virus does not reach your brain. If untreated, the likelihood of developing rabies is nearly 100 per cent, with a 99 per cent fatality rate. It is preventable at both the human and animal levels,” he explained.
He told the media this after attending the Rabies in Borneo (RIB) Conference 2024 at the Imperial Hotel today.
In a bid to combat this public health threat, Dr Sim said the state Veterinary Services Department (DVSS), in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation, has developed a rabies app.
He encouraged the public to download the application, which allows users to report rabies-positive dogs and areas, fostering a community-driven approach to monitoring the disease.
“We have the app available, but it is now up to the public to play their role and contribute to this initiative,” he urged.
For the record, Sarawak has reported a total of 81 human rabies cases since the outbreak in 2017, resulting in 74 fatalities, including six deaths this year alone.
In 2024, a total of 786 animal samples have been tested, with 111 testing positive for rabies.
Alarmingly, 72 of these cases (64 percent) are concentrated in the Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Divisions, with 24 cases in the Padawan area and 38 cases in Kuching itself.
Last week, three positive cases were identified in animals: one in Kota Padawan, 10th Mile; one in Kampung Jawa, Jalan Kuching-Serian; and another in Kampung Moyan Ledang Iban, Asajaya, Samarahan.
As of September 2024, there have been 14,346 vaccinated pets.
A total of 778 samples were taken during this period, with 110 testing positive (14 per cent). Notably, 74 of these positive samples are from bite cases.
Kuching continues to record the highest number of positive samples at 72 cases, followed by Bintulu with 13 cases.
Additionally, 40 out of the 74 positive bite case samples (54 per cent) are from owned dogs.
