The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak: whatsapp rabies hotline – 016 205 1111 if their dogs are showing signs of rabies.
83,816 animals given anti-rabies jab — Department of Veterinary Services
A veterinary staff vaccinating a dog during the mass free anti-rabies vaccination programme at Hui Ning Garden, Sibu on Sept 26.
SIBU: The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak has todate vaccinated 83,816 animals with anti-rabies vaccine to curb the spread of the disease.
In disclosing this to The Borneo Post on Saturday, its director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said the figure comprises 75,597 dogs, 8,165 cats and 54 other types of animals.
He revealed that rabies virus can incubate in an infected dog for up to six months.
“Therefore, pet owners need to observe the symptoms of the dog and most importantly, bring the dogs for vaccination,” added Dr Adrian.
Last Thursday, the State Disaster Management Committee declared five new areas as rabies infected areas, bringing the total number of gazetted rabies infected areas in Sarawak to 41.
The latest rabies infected areas are: Jalan Teng Chin Hua, Sibu ; Jalan Kilang, Bintangor Meradong, Sarikei; Jalan Airport Lama, Kapit; Piasau Jaya, Miri; and Lutong Shell, Miri.
Dr Adrian reminded the public to remember 10 things in preventing rabies.
“Pet owners are reminded to ensure their dogs obtain annual anti-rabies vaccination immediately and do not adopt dogs from unknown sources,” he said.
He advised pet owners to whatsapp rabies hotline – 016 205 1111 if their dogs are showing signs of rabies.
“Also, they are not to move pets away from infected zones without permit from State Veterinary Authority; do not dump unwanted pets – contact the nearest Veterinary Divisional Office of Local Council to surrender your dogs; have the dogs licensed with the local council; neuter the pets for population control; confine dogs within house compound and securely leash dogs when taking them out for walks.”
Dr Adrian further reminded on the importance of washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animals, adding that if bitten, wash wound (s) with soap and under running water for 15 minutes then, immediately seek medical attention at the government hospital.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Housing and Public Health Dr Annuar Rapaee had also stressed on the urgency for pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated against the deadly rabies.
He reminded pet owners to keep their dogs within their house compound especially after vaccination as it takes a month for the vaccine to take effect.
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