KUCHING: Kampung Telagus Legai in Serian division has been declared rabies-infested, making it the 25th location so far, reported Bernama yesterday.
In a statement issued yesterday, the secretariat for the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee said these include 20 areas in Serian division, four in Kuching division and one in Sri Aman division.
The rabies infection in humans was first reported in Sarawak in June last year, and so far, six cases of positive rabies virus have been detected, resulting in the death of five victims.
So far, 36,895 pets comprising 28,988 dogs, 7,862 cats and 45 other animals have been vaccinated while 41,927 active surveillance and 1,778 passive surveillance have been conducted in Serian, Kuching and Sri Aman to control the spread of the rabies epidemic, according to the statement.
The state Veterinary Services Department reminded the public to not allow their pets — whether vaccinated or not — to roam freely with wild animals and to be vigilant to any changes in their pets’ behaviour, such as from tame to violent, biting any moving object, showing fear towards water and light, solitary and isolation, over-salivating, restlessness or aggression.
Reports on the rabies epidemic may be made to the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat at 082-443991/ 446991/ 447960.
