KUCHING: Sarawak will expand its anti-rabies vaccination programme to include cats, following a recent case involving a 13-year-old boy who was scratched by a stray.
Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) Chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said the teenager, a cat lover, is now in critical condition at Sarawak General Hospital.
The Deputy Premier said that while dogs remain the primary source of rabies infections in Sarawak, cats have also been identified as carriers in several cases.
“He had a history of being scratched while feeding stray cats in February this year. Now, he is still in very critical condition at Sarawak General Hospital.
“So, apart from dogs, cats will also need to be vaccinated in our ongoing fight against rabies.
“Cats have been responsible for five per cent of past cases, while dogs accounted for 65 per cent,” he said after chairing the SDMC meeting on Thursday.
Uggah then urged the public to be cautious, particularly when dealing with stray or pet cats that could be infected.
He noted that Kuching and Samarahan Divisions continue to record the highest number of rabies cases, while Sibu has shown encouraging progress in reducing infections.
On dog vaccinations, Uggah said the Veterinary Department still faces challenges getting pet owners to cooperate.
“The response has not been encouraging.
“Adding to the woes, the department is also facing resistance from adamant animal rights non-governmental organisations,” he added.
Uggah said some owners also find it difficult to bring their pets for vaccination, prompting the department to consider oral vaccines and neutering options.
As such, he reminded the public to wash any bite or scratch wound immediately with running water and soap for at least 20 minutes.
“Then head straight to the nearest post-bite clinic for treatment. We have ample vaccines, so please don’t delay,” he said.
Currently, 255 government post-bite clinics and 18 private healthcare facilities across Sarawak are offering rabies treatment and vaccination.
