KUCHING, May 8: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is currently drafting strategies and guidelines to control rabies, says Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
This came following a call by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak-cum-Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian recently.
“The most cost-effective strategy in preventing rabies in people is through vaccinating the dogs.
“(For the long term), we are currently drafting rabies control strategies and guidelines, including amendments to the old policy and ordinance, as instructed by the Minister before implementation,” he said when officiating the anti-rabies joint operation by local authorities at MBKS building here today.
He further said that MBKS aims to make its jurisdiction areas rabies-free and clear of stray dogs, as this would be achieved through the joint operation that began this week.
“The purpose of this rabies operation is twofold. First, we must ensure that our area is rabies-free, and second, we aim to clear as many strays as possible in public areas.
“Of course, this is only part of the action plan (where) we will do all possible ways, including education, awareness, and most importantly, vaccination,” he added.
He also mentioned that safety is the operation’s utmost priority, adding that the enforcement team will handle the strays they catch properly and safely.
He further reminded everyone involved in the operation to wear proper attire and use appropriate equipment.
“While the virus only spreads through the saliva of affected animals and can only spread by biting another animal or a person, there have been rare cases where rabies can be spread through infected saliva getting into an open wound or mucous membranes such as the mouth or eyes,” he continued.
The operation is jointly organised by MBKS; Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP); Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG); Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS); and the police. — DayakDaily
