Senadin rep: Give rabies same urgency as Covid-19, hold vaccination drives throughout Miri

MIRI, Aug 19: Rabies should be given the same urgency as Covid-19, and mass vaccination drives should be carried out in different parts of Miri, says Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

Besides being more convenient for dog owners, Lee said it also reduces overcrowding at vaccination sites.

This follows a report on August 15 stating that Marudi District has been declared a rabies-infected area after a stray dog tested positive for rabies on August 2 at Kampung Narum.

Earlier, the Senadin assemblyman was monitoring a mass vaccination drive held at Taman Awam Miri by the Miri Veterinary Department (DVS).

Some 406 dogs were vaccinated for free as of 2pm today during the two-day programme, which commenced at 9am.

Commenting on today’s programme, Lee said it is crucial as part of the government’s approach to preventing the spread of rabies.

“As we all know, a rabies case has been reported in Marudi recently. Therefore, mass vaccination drives for rabies here are important, and dog owners must take note and bring their dogs for vaccination.

“We should treat rabies the same as Covid-19,” he said.

Lee said in the past, Miri has been doing well in preventing the spread of rabies but opines that this time, greater precautions should be taken.

He also reminded dog owners not to let their pets roam freely outside their premises or house compounds and wanted Miri City Council to look into the issue of stray dogs. — DayakDaily