MIRI: Following the recent rabies outbreak in Serian, Kuching and Sri Aman divisions, Zero Stray Miri (ZSM) appeals the public to vaccinate their pets with anti-rabies vaccine.
Its President, Sterwina Kho said the public should not use rabies virus as an excuse to abandon their pets.
“We encourage the public to understand the nature of this disease and help us to prevent this outbreak from happening here. Abandoning pets will only cause more strays on the streets and not solving the issue,” she said during a press conference held with Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Lee Kim Shin, here yesterday.
Kho said ZSM Trap Neuter and Release (TNR) dogs had been vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccine.
“We hope the public can recognise the yellow PVC chains placed on these dogs and not harm them. With the limited resources and funds we have, we hope that the State government can subsidise the anti-rabies vaccines so that we can vaccinate more strays to prevent rabies outbreak,” she said, adding that the public can neuter their pets to prevent uncontrolled breeding.
Meanwhile, Datuk Lee Kim Shin hoped the public here are aware of the rabies threats and know how to prevent it.
“As of today the Veterinary Department confirmed that no rabies cases were detected in Miri. The disease is not airborne and it can only be contracted through bites from rabid animals,” he said.
