A file photo of DVS personnel applying the vaccine on the puppies at Paun Rimu.
KUCHING: A total 10 dogs and one cat from the rabies-affected areas in Serian are now being monitored for suspicion of being infected with the rabies virus.
A statement from Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), said yesterday also mentioned a dog is now suspected of rabies positive following a clinical surveillance work carried out by the department within 1km radius from Kampung Remun.
“It was found that this dog displayed clinical symptoms of aggression and is suspected of being rabies positive, while other animals are still being monitored,” said the statement.
Kampung Remun, along with Paun Rimu, Paun Rimu Bakong, Lebur and Krait, have been declared as rabies-infested areas by gazette notification under Section 37 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
DVS also revealed that a census on domesticated animals in area within 1km radius from Kampung Remun found 34 dogs, 201 cats and a pet monkey being kept by 50 pet owners.
It said vaccination operation has already been conducted at Paun Rimu, Paun Rimu Bakong, Lebur and Krait, involving 48 dogs, 168 cats, one fox and one squirrel.
“As of July 5, the total number of animals vaccinated is 83 dogs, 212 cats, two foxes and one squirrel.
“An awareness programme was also conducted at Kampung Lebur, which was attended by 90 people,” it said.
On Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas announced that he had issued the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order, mandating all household dogs in the infected areas and areas under surveillance within a 10km radius to be vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccine.