‘Sarawak can win the war against rabies’

Efforts include equipping more clinics with vaccine

SARAWAK is confident of winning the battle against rabies as it was previously a rabies-free state, according to Michael Tiang, the Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government in Sarawak. Tiang mentioned that prior to 2017, rabies was not a problem in Sarawak. He believes that with collective effort, they can still emerge victorious in the war against rabies. Tiang made these remarks after attending World Rabies Day in Sibu. So far, there have been 72 cases of rabies affecting humans in Sarawak, resulting in 65 deaths. Tiang highlighted that many of these cases could have been prevented if the patients had received the rabies vaccine promptly after being bitten. Between July 1, 2017, and August 31, there were 88,606 reported cases of animal bites in Sarawak, with 49,457 being dog bites and 39,149 being cat bites, which amounts to around 14,000 bites per year. The high number of animal bites is concerning, as each case has the potential of rabies. Tiang expressed optimism that the conference attendees will work together to find a solution to this problem. He commended the Sarawak Health Department for expanding the availability of rabies vaccines in health facilities from 30 to 91. The World Rabies Day event was also attended by Sarawak Health Department director Dr. Ooi Choo Huck, Sibu Divisional Health Officer Dr. Teh Jo Hun, and other senior state health and veterinary officials.

In the meantime, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is launching a campaign in November to address the spread of rabies by receiving sick and stray dogs and cats. These animals will then be handled based on recommendations from the Sibu Veterinary Services Department. Richard Ting, the chairman of SMC’s public health standing committee, announced that pet owners can bring sick animals or strays to SMC’s depot in Jalan Teng Chin Hua. Ting emphasized the importance of personal protective equipment for individuals bringing in sick dogs or cats to ensure their own safety. Pet owners will be required to complete a declaration form containing their personal details, including name and address, as well as information about where the animal was found or located. SMC will provide an incentive of RM10 per puppy/kitten and RM50 per adult dog/cat to anyone surrendering these animals, provided they are alive when handed over. Ting reminded the public not to enter residents’ premises or turn in animals solely for the purpose of claiming the reward. SMC initiated this effort to manage the stray dog population and curb the rabies outbreak. All dogs and cats surrendered will be properly managed in accordance with SMC’s standard operating procedure. Animal handovers can only be made during office hours, which are from 9am to 11am and from 2pm to 4pm.

By Andy Chua