KUCHING: A total of 45 free-roaming dogs have tested positive for rabies following examinations of 469 animal samples captured in rabies-risk areas across Sarawak.
Datuk Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, the Director of the Sarawak Veterinary Department, stated that the figure was derived from 10 per cent of animals found in areas identified as potential rabies hotspots.
“In Padawan, 14 tested positive; Kuching recorded 12; Bau, six; Bintulu, nine; while Lundu, Asajaya, and Kapit each registered one positive case.
“We collected samples in other areas as well, but only these locations yielded positive results,” he announced.
He made these remarks during a press conference at the Imperial Hotel during the closing ceremony of an enforcement course today (12th September).
He emphasised that all infected animals had been culled, and continuous sampling at the same locations was being conducted.
“For dogs confirmed to have bitten or been infected with rabies, our team immediately takes action to collect samples and cull them,” he added.
Furthermore, he disclosed that Sarawak had recorded two rabies-related fatalities, one each in Kuching and Bintulu, from the beginning of the year until August.
Consequently, he urged the public to contribute to combating rabies statewide by vaccinating and neutering pets to help manage the animal population.
“Neutering pets actually assists us in controlling the spread of rabies because most newborn animals do not receive vaccines, making them highly susceptible to infection,” he elaborated.
He also highlighted that the current rabies statistics in Sarawak exhibit improvement compared to the previous year.
This year alone, £493,000 involving 74 cases under the Veterinary Ordinance 1999 has been recorded until early September.
