DVS: A must for dogs to receive booster injection against rabies
KUCHING: Dog owners in the state especially those living in rabies-infected areas are required to send their pets for a booster injection each year until Sarawak is declared rabies-free.
To-date, 36 areas in six divisions in the state have been declared to be rabies-infected areas — Kuching (five), Kota Samarahan (three), Serian (22), Sri Aman (three), Betong (one) and Sarikei (two)—since the start of the outbreak last year.
According to Dr Jackie Peter from the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVS), it is mandatory for dogs to receive their booster injection at least one year after the primary rabies vaccination.
“The dog owners always thought that primary injection is for life. This is totally false,” Jackie told The Borneo Post yesterday.
According to him, it is also important for dog owners to understand that dogs which are kept inside the house, must also receive the annual booster.
“In fact, all dogs whether they are living outdoors or indoors need to have rabies vaccination. This is especially so in rabies- infected areas,” reminded Jackie, adding that the booster is compulsory to ensure high immunity against the disease.
Touching on the decreasing number of dogs at their mass vaccination programme, Jackie said most owners are opting to send their dogs to private vets to obtain the rabies vaccination.
The primary rabies vaccinations this year, he added, are also mostly administered on puppies that are above three months old.
Meanwhile, the next mass vaccination will be held at Kampung Stenggang, Bau on Sept 29 and Pekan Tondong, Bau on Sept 30.
Both programmes, according to DVS, will include a free briefing on rabies, exhibitions and registration for dog licence.
Pet owners who intend to send their dogs for the rabies vaccination or annual booster at both locations are required to bring along their identification card.
Areas which are declared to be rabies-infected in Kuching are Lorong 11, Batu 5, Jalan Semaba, the Sungai Maong Wet Market, Kampung Serikin, Taman Alamanda Indah Matang and Kampung Selarat Sematan (Lundu district).
In Samarahan division, the areas are Kampung Sampun Gerunggang (Asajaya), Simunjan Market, Kampung Gawang Empili (Simunjan).
In Serian, the areas are Kampung Kerait, Kampung Paon Rimu, Kampung Paon Rimu Bakong, Kampung Remun, Kampung Lebor, Kampung Seroban, Kampung Tangga, Kampung Ampungan, Kampung Mentong Berawan, Mentong Silaga, Kampung Engkabang, Kampung Tampek Sumpas, Kampung Rasau, Siburan Town, Serian Town, Mile 45 Kuching-Serian road, Kampung Temong Mura, Kampung Entubuh, Kampung Kuala Jalan Gedong, Kampung Telagus Serian, Ladang Masranti (Telagus) and Kampung Mapu Kijabu.
In Sri Aman, the areas which are declared to be affected are Rh Janta in Punggu Mawang, Rh Lanchum in Sg Tenggang and the Golden Fame Oil Palm Plantation in Pantu.
In Sarikei, the two areas that have been declared rabies-infected are SMK Julau No. 2 and KM 0.2, Jalan Jakar/Sebangkoi, Jakar.
So far, only one area in Betong — the Layar junction area — has been declared rabies-infected.
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