A JPVS staffer displays syringes of rabies vaccine during a previous vaccination exercise at Arang Road Basketball Court. File Photo
KUCHING: At a vaccination drive in Kampung Taie, Serian conducted by the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department yesterday, a total of 98 dogs were administered with the anti-rabies vaccine as of 3pm.
In a press statement, the department said a total of 30,305 animals had been vaccinated in Sarawak (22,663 dogs, 7,597 cats and 45 other types of animals) since the outbreak.
As of yesterday, it said a total of 95 new animal bite cases were also reported – Serian with 27 cases, Sri Aman (3), Kuching (64) and Kota Samarahan (1) – caused by domestic dogs (57), stray dogs (five), domestic cats (25), stray cats (seven) and bat (1).
It also said the cumulative cases since April 1 stood at 2,202 and 911 individuals had been administered with the anti-rabies vaccine.
On another note, the State Health Department is urging anyone who has been bitten by a dog after April 1 this year to go for a medical check-up at the nearest health facility.
It is also reminded that anyone who has been bitten by a dog should immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes before seeking medical consultation.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department also reminded the public to be aware of any changes in their pet’s behaviour.
It said among the symptoms to look out for are being scared of water (hydrophobia), avoiding human contact, scared of light, excessive salivating, aggressive behaviour, biting any moving object and easily agitated.
The public are urged to call the operations room of Sarawak Disaster Management Committee Secretariat at 082-443991, 446991 or 447960 to report any suspected case of rabies.
In the article titled ‘Animal tissue samples test negative for rabies since July 24’ on Aug 13, the name of the Malaysia Veterinary Services Department director general should be Dato’ Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam and not as reported.