BINTULU: The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) has announced a free anti-rabies vaccination campaign for dogs in the Sebauh district.
This initiative involves door-to-door vaccinations tomorrow (Feb 3) from 2 pm-5 pm and Sunday (Feb 4) from 8 am-5 pm.
The campaign targets 25 longhouses including Penghulu Chin Gawing, Rumah Agnes Mampak Mandaw, Rumah Bare Langie, Rumah Bunyau Liban, Rumah Divid Asson, Rumah Edi Makin, Rumah Egar Andil, Rumah Entiri Chaong, Rumah Gani Lansam, Rumah Gendin Metan, Rumah Gini Utiat, Rumah Joseph Sada Ingan, Rumah Leslie Wilson Empeni, Rumah Maisie Jambai, Rumah Malang Juni, Rumah Meni Chili, Rumah Ningkan Lansam, Rumah Nikoli Melly Juna, Rumah Patrick Andin Uli, Rumah Penga Mandaw, Rumah Ronnie Ugat Bangah, Rumah Taga Nawoh, Rumah Thomas Nyaring, Rumah Timban Metan and Rumah Jawang Mat.
Dog owners are urged to ensure their pets are at least three months old and healthy prior to vaccination. They should also present their MyKad and, if available, their dog’s vaccination card.
Post-vaccination, a 28-day isolation period for dogs is recommended to bolster rabies immunity.
Owners are advised against bathing their pets for a week following the vaccination and to prevent them from roaming freely in public spaces.
DVSS said the legal requirement for all Sarawak dog owners to vaccinate their pets annually against rabies, is in accordance to the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order.
Non-compliance can lead to a fine of up to RM2,500 under Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, 1999.
Unvaccinated dogs are also at risk of being impounded.
For those unable to attend the free vaccination program, appointments for vaccination can be made by contacting the DVSS division office during office hours. Please contact the divisional veterinary office in Kuching at 082-628249, 082-628250 or 082-628255, Serian (019-2045829); Samarahan (082-671221), Sri Aman (083-322106), Betong (083-471622), Sarikei (084-658129), Sibu (084-330224), Kapit (084-798280), Mukah (084-871050), Bintulu (086-335770), Miri (085-411866), Limbang (085-215879) and Lawas (085-285085).
