By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 11: The oral rabies vaccine (ORV) for dogs used in the ongoing pilot project in Batu Kawa will not be made available for public purchase or distribution due to safety considerations and the risks associated with improper handling and storage.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng explained that the vaccine is strictly part of a controlled pilot programme involving about 5,000 edible bait units and is being administered only by professionals and trained volunteers within designated high-risk rabies areas including Desa Wira and Malihah in Matang.
According to him, the vaccine must be handled under strict temperature-controlled conditions, similar to other sensitive medical products, and cannot be distributed casually or stored outside regulated environments.
“The oral rabies vaccine is currently part of a pilot project. It is not available for public use or distribution,” he said during his ShallWeeTalk live session today.
He stressed that the initiative remains in its trial stage and is focused on assessing effectiveness in selected locations.
“The Batu Kawa area was chosen due to a higher number of rabies cases, making it suitable for the initial phase of the programme. Authorities will review the outcome before considering any future expansion,” he added.
He stressed that members of the public should not expect the vaccine to be available through general channels, as all supplies are fully allocated for the project.
Sarawak initiated a trial of the ORV programme on April 10, targeting free-roaming and difficult-to-catch dogs, including those that are hard for owners to restrain.
A total of 5,000 edible bait units have been procured and are being stored under cold-chain conditions at the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) to preserve effectiveness.
The initiative complements traditional injectable vaccination methods, with authorities aiming to vaccinate about 70 per cent of the dog population to effectively control rabies.
The programme, led by Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak deputy director (Veterinary Health and Compliance) Dr Nicholas Jenek, involved around 80 participants from the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), SIDC, Immune Belt Programme Team (IBET), MPP, and volunteers.
Under the programme, edible baits containing the vaccine are placed in areas frequented by target dogs. Once consumed, the vaccine is absorbed orally and helps the animal develop antibodies within about a month.
This approach aims to reach stray and free-roaming dogs without the need for capture or direct handling, supporting Sarawak’s broader efforts to reduce rabies transmission. — DayakDaily
