File photo of a previous mass vaccination programme against rabies.
KUCHING: A mass vaccination for pet dogs will be held today at five villages in Serian, namely Terbat Leban, Terbat Mawang, Mayang Kawan, Sebintin and Engkeroh.
A statement issued by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee yesterday said the vaccination programme will be carried out by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
It revealed that as of 3pm yesterday, 183 dogs were vaccinated during a vaccination programme held yesterday in Kampung Bunga and Kampung Baru in Serian, and Kampung Pedaun Bawah and Bijuray Mongag in Bau.
“The total number of vaccinated pet animals so far is 27,687, comprising 20,045 dogs, 7,597 cats and 45 other animals,” said the statement.
On a related development, the committee also mentioned that 41 new cases of dog bites were reported to the Sarawak Health Department yesterday, comprising 12 in Kuching, 21 in Serian, six in Sri Aman and two cases in Samarahan. This brings the cumulative number of dog bites reported since April 1 to 1,540 cases.
“Up to today (yesterday), a total of 820 persons had been vaccinated,” it said.
“The Sarawak Health Department would like to call on members of the public with dog bite history from April 1 onwards to immediately go for a check-up at the nearest health facility.”
The rabies outbreak has so far claimed five lives, all in Serian Division, since it was uncovered on June 30.