Felines also contribute to spread of rabies in Kpg Tambirat, Asajaya
KOTA SAMARAHAN: More trouble! If you think dogs are the only carriers of the dreaded rabies in the state, think again.
Health authorities yesterday revealed that cats have also been identified as the main culprits in the spread of rabies, at least in Kampung Tambirat in Asajaya, here.
An epidemiology officer with the Samarahan Division Health Office, Dr Mohd Khairul Anuar Roselan said that with the latest development, the authorities are now closely monitoring cats in the area to curb further spread of the disease.
“We are closely monitoring cats in the division to ensure we could effectively curb further spread of rabies in the area,” he said at a talk on ‘Rabies Disease Awareness Campaign’ at the Civic Centre here.
Khairul said a total of 70 cat bites involving human were reported in the division in the first three months of this year.
“Comparatively, the statistics on cat bites involving humans saw a drastic increase with only 82 cases reported for the whole of last year.
“As such, we are looking seriously into the spread of rabies through cats,” he added.
Meanwhile, it is reliably learned that of the 12 or 13 blood samples taken from cat bite victims in Asajaya, eight tested positive for rabies.
A local veterinarian contacted by New Sarawak Tribune warned that it is also possible to get rabies from a cat scratch.
He advised locals bitten or scratched by cats, especially stray ones, to wash the affected area with soap and water immediately.
“See your doctor immediately. Don’t wait,” he said.
He said stray cats may come in contact with bats or skunks which sometimes carry rabies.
On March 22, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is the State Disaster Management Committee chairman, declared Kampung Tambirat in Asajaya as a rabies-infected area, the 62nd to be so designated in the state.
He advised the people not to allow their pet dogs to roam freely or to move the animals out of the area without the written permission of the State Veterinary Authority.
At that time, it was thought dogs were the only carriers of rabies.
Rabies has claimed 16 deaths in the state since July 1, 2017.
