KUCHING, Oct 12: The total number of dogs vaccinated by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak and the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) across Sarawak as of today (Oct 12) now stands at 36,567 as the authorities race to reach the target number of 40,000 by year end.
This was revealed by Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development (M-Ficord) Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom in a press release issued today.
“This year, 91 dogs, seven cats, and two other animals tested positive for rabies out of 572 samples tested.
“Animal rabies were detected in Kuching (51), Padawan (13), Samarahan (8), Bintulu (7), Tebedu (6), Lundu (6), Bau (2), Sibu (2), Lawas (1), Marudi (1), Selangau (1), Siburan (1), and Simunjan (1). Total area declared as rabies infected since 2017 is 73 areas,” he said.
According to Rundi, DVS Sarawak and the Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS) have intensified anti-rabies vaccination programmes throughout Sarawak.
“According to the State Health Department, Sarawak recorded 15 deaths this year from 17 rabies cases. The cumulative total human rabies cases now stood at 72, with 65 deaths, since July 2017.
“Based on the above, there is a rise in rabies cases in Sarawak for both humans and animals.
“Therefore, I would like to remind the public to take extra precaution, and go to the clinic if bitten by an animal.”
He continued, “Dog owners must be responsible to ensure their pet is vaccinated with the anti-rabies vaccine.
“Dog vaccination is made mandatory under Section 40, VPHO 1999. Any owner or person-in-charge of a dog who fails to comply shall be guilty of an offence and may be fined up to RM1,000.”
Rundi further noted that owners who let their dogs roam freely on the streets shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2500 under Section 37, VPHO 1999.
“Dog owners must keep their dogs under effective control by confining it within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for the dog to escape.
“The Local Authority may seize and impound any dogs which are not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by-laws, 2018,” he added. — DayakDaily
