LAWAS: The Limbang Division Veterinary Services Department will not issue any permits for the movement of dogs through the border gate at Limbang.
Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail stressed that this was effective immediately until the rabies outbreak has been fully eradicated nationwide.
He said this after the launch of a rabies vaccination programme organised by the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department at the Lawas Basketball Court, yesterday.
He also explained that so far, only Limbang and Bintulu are free from the rabies outbreak in the state.
Accordingly, eight veterinary officers will be stationed at all entrances covering the Limbang and Lawas districts, including the Kalimantan border in Ba’kelalan.
“We urge dog owners not to import or transfer dogs from affected areas,” he said.
He added that so far, an individual has been caught bringing a dog out of one of the affected areas in Kuching to Limbang; the dog was quarantined while the owner was charged for the offense.
He further said that the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department will open a counter for vaccine injections, beginning next week after the mobile vaccination programme has ended.
At the same time, the Limbang and Lawas District Council will also initiate the targeted removal of stray dogs after the vaccination programme ends next week.
“We are asking for dog owners to cooperate by keeping their dogs inside their respective housing compounds as to not cause problems to the community and the dog itself,” he said.
Dr Abdul Rahman, who is also Bukit Kota State Assemblyman, advised individuals who were bitten by dogs to ensure that the bite area has been cleaned by placing the wound under clean, running water for 15 minutes and disinfecting it after, before going to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
Earlier on, the rabies vaccination programme started from 9am until 3pm, whereby a total of 107 dogs from the Lawas area have been vaccinated.
The team will continue on to the Trusan Community Hall today, followed by the Kampung Lumut Community Hall tomorrow.
On Thursday, the team will be at the Limbang Veterinary Service Office until Saturday from 9am to 3pm.
For more information, please contact the Limbang Division Veterinary Service Office at (085) 212 177 or the Lawas District Veterinary Service Office at (085) 285 085.
