KUCHING: The regions of Samarahan and Serian have been officially declared Rabies infection areas following the recent detection of the rabies virus in animals, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit reported.
Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom announced that the newly-declared areas join the existing Rabies infection areas, including the regions of Kuching and Bintulu, in a continued effort to combat the spread of this deadly disease.
"This declaration is essential to ensure that more proactive measures are taken by the relevant departments.
"This year, 20 animals out of 133 samples have tested positive for rabies," Stephen said on Wednesday.
He said that since 2017, the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (JPVS) and the Immune Belt Enforcement Team have vaccinated a total of 247,267 dogs across Sarawak. In 2023, the team successfully vaccinated 37,254 out of a targeted 40,000 dogs, with a goal to vaccinate 50,000 dogs this year.
The JPVS and the Sarawak Safety and Enforcement Unit are set to intensify the anti-rabies vaccination programme throughout the state. In addition, local councils will conduct targeted removal of stray dogs to reduce their population and prevent the spread of the virus.
Stephen also urged the public to exercise caution and seek immediate treatment if bitten by an animal. He reminded dog owners of their responsibility to vaccinate their pets against rabies, as mandated under Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, 1999.