MIRI, Sept 29: The relevant authorities here have worked out a detailed plan of action to curb rabies outbreak. This follows the detection of rabies in Piasau Jaya and Lutong Shell.
The Veterinary Department here collected 16 samples during their routine checks on stray dogs recently, and two samples were tested rabies positive. Fortunately, no human infection has been reported to date.
Yesterday, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin chaired a 2 1/2-hour meeting to root out the scare. Among those present were Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting and representatives from relevant government bodies.
“A mass vaccination programme will be held by the Veterinary Department, apart from house-to-house awareness campaigns,” said Lee after the meeting.
The free mass vaccination will be held at the Veterinary Department Compound at Pelita Commercial Centre, from 8.30am to 11.30am on weekdays. Lee hoped dog lovers would take this opportunity to vaccinate their pets.
Lee added that Miri City Council (MCC) would deploy more dog-catching teams to wipe areas under its jurisdiction clean of stray dogs.
“I would like to appeal to the public, especially those who have dogs, to keep their pets within their house compounds. Please do not let your dogs go outside,” he said.
For inquiries on the outbreak, members of the public can call the hotline 019-8960370, which is manned round the clock. — DayakDaily
