MIRI: Marudi district has been declared a rabies infected area after one stray dog was found infected at Kampung Narum on Aug 2, bringing the total number of areas declared as rabies infected to 73.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom twho disclosed this in a statement said 73 dogs and five cats had been positive for rabies out of 392 samples so far this year.
Three cases of animal rabies were detected in Lundu, Bau (2), Kuching (31) , Padawan (18), Kota Samarahan (5), Siburan (1), Serian (1), Tebekang (4), Sibu (1), Selangau (1), Mukah (1), Bintulu (2), Marudi (1) and Lawas (1).
Rundi said the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has intensified the ant-irabies vaccination programmes throughout Sarawak especially in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri Division.
On Aug 19-20 a mass vaccination programme will be held at Tempat Letak Kereta Taman Awam, here from 9am to 4pm.
As of today, 27,668 dogs have been vaccinated across the state which is targeting a total figure of 40,000 dogs by year end.
According to the State Health Department, Sarawak recorded 13 deaths from 15 rabies cases this year and altogether human rabies cases now stand at 70, with 63 deaths since July 2017.
“I would like to remind the public to take extra precaution, and go to the clinic if bitten by animals. Dog owners must be responsible to ensure their pet is vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccine,” Rundi added.
Any owner or person in charge of a dog who fails without reasonable cause to comply with the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order shall be guilty of an offence and may be compound up to RM1,000.
Owners who let their dogs roam freely on the streets shall be liable to a fine of up to RM2,500.
Additionally, the local authorities may seize and impound any dog which is not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by-laws, 2018.
