By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 21: A new case of rabies infection involving a pet cat has been reported at Mile 13, Matang, breaking Sarawak’s two-week streak without any new rabies cases.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng reiterated the warning that rabies is not exclusive to dogs and that cats are also vulnerable to the deadly virus.
“The infected cat is believed to have contracted rabies after coming into contact with saliva from an infected dog while roaming outside.
“This highlights the serious risk of exposure, even for pets that are usually kept at home,” he said during his ShallWeeTalk Facebook live session today.
He urged all pet owners, especially those with cats and dogs, to refrain from allowing their animals to roam freely outdoors to prevent potential infection.
Wee also shared that the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) has secured sponsorship for free rabies vaccinations for cats.
The vaccination programme will commence once a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is signed with the sponsoring parties.
In the meantime, he advised the public not to wait for the free programme, as rabies vaccines are readily available at veterinary clinics across Sarawak.
“If your pet hasn’t been vaccinated yet, please take them to the nearest vet for the shot—it could save their life,” he said. — DayakDaily
