SIBU: The Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association (SDCCLA) will reassess the need to continue the regular antirabies vaccination campaign if the new method of oral rabies vaccine (antirabies bait) is introduced in the near future.
Its Chairman, Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau Lee Ming, said the decision would depend on the effectiveness and public acceptance of the method, which is expected to provide an easier alternative for dog owners.
“If this oral vaccine is implemented, owners may be able to buy it and give it themselves at home.
“This will certainly make it easier, but we, together with the Veterinary Department, need to see whether the current field vaccination programme is still relevant,” he said when met by reporters at the Antirabies Vaccination Programme at Pulau Li Hua Commercial Centre here today (April 18).
According to Lau, for now the vaccination programme organised by the association in collaboration with the Veterinary Department is still receiving a good response, with about 50 dogs vaccinated as of noon yesterday.
He said that since it was started about four to five years ago, the campaign has succeeded in raising public awareness of the importance of vaccination in preventing rabies.
“At the programme last March, the response was very encouraging. This shows that the public is now more aware and willing to bring their dogs to be vaccinated,” he said.
He also stressed that continuous efforts are important in curbing the spread of rabies, although no cases have been reported in Sibu so far.
“For the first three months of this year, there were two cases in Kuching and one in Bintulu that resulted in death due to dog bites. There are no cases in Sibu, and I believe this is the result of awareness and continuous efforts,” he said.
Meanwhile, he reminded the public not to underestimate the importance of vaccination, as rabies infection can be fatal if not treated immediately.
He added that the rabies vaccine is usually effective for a year, so dog owners need to ensure their pets receive booster shots according to schedule.
He stressed that the implementation of the monthly vaccination programme at different locations would continue for now, pending further developments on the use of the oral vaccine.
