KUCHING: Cats may soon be given the same level of attention as dogs in Sarawak’s fight against rabies as health authorities move to recognise them as potential carriers of the deadly virus through scratches and bites.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the Sarawak government, including the Sarawak Health Department (JKNS), is expected to hold a comprehensive meeting with the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and relevant agencies to assess risks and determine further action, particularly on how cats can be included in an ongoing rabies prevention strategies.
“We may explore these risks assessing to cats as part of the wider community engagement efforts to curb rabies.
“Dogs are already subject to mandatory vaccination and licensing because as you can see, the growing number of rabies cases linked to cats raises the need for public consultation and to see if similar measures should apply to the cats.”
This comes following three recent rabies fatalities in the state, raising concerns that the disease remains a serious public health threat. Authorities stress that rabies is still present in the environment and requires continued vigilance from the public.
“Discussions involving the JKNS, the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVS), and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas are already underway, with an action plan being called for under the SDMC framework,” said Dr Sim when met at the Majlis Ramah Mesra Rakyat officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof at the CIDB convention hall here on Monday (March 23).
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said health officials emphasised that while dogs have long been the primary focus of vaccination campaigns, cats are now emerging as a growing concern due to the risk of transmission through bites and scratches, especially when saliva carrying the virus comes into contact with open wounds.
“Members of the public are reminded to take immediate action if bitten or scratched by animals. The first crucial step is to thoroughly wash the wound with water, followed by seeking treatment at the nearest clinic, where anti-rabies vaccines are readily available across Sarawak.
“A recent case highlighted the danger of delayed treatment, involving a 10-year-old boy who was bitten by a dog but did not receive vaccination after only washing the wound. Authorities stress that early medical intervention can be life-saving.”
He also highlighted that on the animal front, dog owners are urged to ensure yearly vaccinations, even for pets that remain at home, as exposure can still occur indirectly.
“Free vaccination programmes are available through DVS, alongside additional initiatives conducted in collaboration with local councils, while private veterinary services also offer vaccinations at a cost.”
However, he said vaccinating cats presents a more complex challenge, which will require further technical assessment by experts. Authorities will evaluate whether to expand vaccination efforts to include cats as part of a broader strategy to eliminate rabies.
“Officials are also calling for stronger public cooperation, especially during vaccination drives, as access to animals is crucial for effective immunisation efforts. Sarawak had previously demonstrated strong community response during earlier rabies control efforts, particularly around 2019, and authorities hope to see the same level of commitment once again.”
Dr Sim reminded Sarawakians that with the World Health Organization (WHO) targeting zero human rabies deaths globally by 2030, Sarawak is determined not to be left behind.
