By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 6: Eight rabies-positive animal bite cases, including those involving aggressive pets, have been detected in Kuching, Bau, Bintulu, Kapit, and Asajaya in the past week (March 28 to April 6).
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has reiterated the urgent need for a concerted effort to address rabies concerns in Sarawak, alongside heightened vigilance.
According to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak, four cases occurred in Kuching, specifically in Batu Kawa bazaar, Jalan Sungai Moyan, and Jalan Matang, involving stray dogs, while one case in Jalan Batu Lintang involved a stray cat.
The remaining four cases were detected in Simpang Kurat in Kampung Bobak, Bau, involving a free-roaming pet; Taman Kemena Sutera in Bintulu, involving an aggressive pet surrendered to DVS; Uma Balui Ukap in Belaga, Kapit, where an aggressive stray was removed following active surveillance; and Kampung Sampun Gerunggang in Asajaya, involving a free-roaming pet that was surrendered.
“Again, I want to remind pet owners to ensure that their pets receive their annual anti-rabies vaccinations and keep them confined within their house compound to prevent them from roaming freely in the streets. We are uncertain of the vaccination and health status of stray dogs and cats against rabies and other diseases.
“I appeal for collaboration from all segments of the community to collectively work towards the common objective of eradicating rabies from Sarawak,” he said during his ShallWeeTalk Facebook live today.
Wee emphasised that the Council will take various measures, including conducting free vaccination campaigns, facilitating free license registration and microchipping, subsidising neutering procedures for dogs, and targeted removal of strays that pose a risk to public safety.
“Suggestions for collaboration and engagement with relevant sectors, including ministries and DVS, are ongoing,” he assured while urging an end to finger-pointing to focus on collective action in confronting and addressing this issue. — DayakDaily
