BY SAMUEL KARUNIA KORNO
KOTA SAMARAHAN: As rabies cases rise in Sarawak, veterinarians are calling for more prevention measures and public awareness to combat the dangerous virus.
In view of this, the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department has also been actively conducting vaccination drives.
As of today, the total number of fatalities in Sarawak has reached 71 out of 78 rabies cases in humans since the outbreak was declared in July 2017.
For Sarawak, there are still challenges in educating residents on the importance of pet vaccinations and how to respond if bitten by potentially aggressive animals.
In response to this challenge, Dr Anddy Toda, a veterinarian from Toda’s Ark, is making the effort to prevent and eradicate the widespread outbreak of rabies among animals.
Here, Dr Anddy sits with New Sarawak Tribune to share his insights on the importance of rabies awareness, factors leading to reluctance of individuals to act early in vaccination and efforts to prevent and eradicate the outbreak of rabies here in Sarawak.
New Sarawak Tribune: Can you briefly tell us what rabies prevention and eradication are about?
Dr Anddy: They are actions taken to prevent rabies outbreak through annual vaccination programmes.They aim to control the number of rabies affected animals in the state.
Here in Sarawak, we have annual vaccination programmes for pets.
Besides vaccination programmes, both private and government veterinary centres have neutering programmes to prevent spread of rabies among animals.
Can you tell us about the rabies situation in Sarawak?
Sarawak is really enforcing the need for vaccination programmes and most of the veterinary centres, both private and government, are giving out posters, brochures, banners and other advertising products to promote awareness of the rising cases of rabies as well as the importance of vaccination programmes.
The Sarawak government has done a lot but pet owners, too, need to play their roles to ensure that all their pets are vaccinated by authorised bodies.
However, some pet owners here do not vaccinate their animals as soon as possible. Rabies can affect any animals and remain in them for months without showing any symptoms.
So pet owners need to understand the importance of vaccination and play their part in preventing the outbreak of this dangerous virus.
Why is it important for individuals to understand about rabies?
Rabies is a deadly virus but it is a preventable viral disease.
It is important to note that rabies is not curable after an animal or person has been affected.
That is why it is important for the public to understand the who, how, and why rabies spread to ensure every individual understands that rabies can be prevented through vaccination.
What is being done to educate the public about rabies?
The government and private sector both have their roles in educating the public about rabies and its dangers.
The Sarawak Veterinary Services Department has launched multiple seminars, talks and on-going free vaccination programmes throughout the state.
This effort will not just help spread the awareness but also educate all individuals about the importance of preventing and eradicating rabies in Sarawak.
Can you tell us how prevalent is rabies vaccination among pets in Sarawak?
The response from the public has been good as the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department continues to raise public awareness about the dangers of rabies.
It is good to see efforts done in schools and public spaces to tell the public about rabies and ways to prevent it.
Nowadays, even kids are told to be careful when dealing with stray dogs and cats because not all of the animals here are vaccinated.
How often do you encounter cases of rabies in Kota Samarahan in your practice?
One must understand the symptoms of rabies in animals.
Aggressive behaviours, restlessness and excessive salivation are the common signs of rabies in animals so people need to understand that if they encounter these symptoms on animals, they must call the authorities and stay away from the rabid animal.
At my veterinary centre, we rarely see aggressive animals but we often vaccinate pets here.
Just for this year alone, from January till May, we vaccinated a total of 213 pets — 85 dogs and 128 cats — here.
I find that Kota Samarahan here has a lot of cat owners so we deal with a lot of sick cats and vaccinate them to prevent any outbreaks.
What are the procedures for reporting and handling suspected rabies cases?
Those who encounter rabid animals or suspected rabies affected animals can call the Vet Rabies Hotline (082-610023).
The authority will take immediate action according to the complaint.
In your opinion, how effective are the laws and regulations in Sarawak in addressing the rabies threat in Sarawak?
There are new laws and regulations being enforced to ensure all pet owners, particularly dog owners vaccinate their animals.
I think people need to report as soon as possible if they are bitten or scratched by any stray animals rather than trying to treat the wounds themselves.
How can veterinary professionals support the fight against rabies in Sarawak?
This can be done through educating clients every time they bring in their pets for consultation and check ups.
Veterinarians are there to help and ensure the safety both the owners and their pets from rabies.
