Sarawak Continues Strong Efforts Against Rabies - Rundi: 75 Deaths Since Outbreak in 2017
Published atNov 19, 2024 05:48 pm
(Kuching, 19th) The Sarawak government continues to intensify efforts to combat the rabies outbreak, implementing multiple plans, including the rabies conference held in Borneo last October.
Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development of Sarawak, said the conference attracted over 300 delegations from Australia, Brunei, Kalimantan, Indonesia, and Sabah.
“The main goal of the plan is to eliminate rabies on the island of Borneo by 2030.”
Rundi mentioned that since the rabies outbreak was announced in 2017, 82 human rabies cases have been reported, with 75 deaths, including 7 this year.
He noted during his department's summary that as of November 7th this year, out of 822 animal samples, 114 tested positive for rabies.
He stated that Kuching had the highest number of confirmed cases, with 74, followed by Bintulu (14 cases), Samarahan (8 cases), Serian (6 cases), and Sri Aman, Kapit, and Mukah with 4 cases each.
In response, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee has launched an integrated rabies action in Kuching to address the increasing number of rabies-positive dogs.
He explained that the action includes door-to-door checks to ensure compliance with dog licensing, providing rabies vaccines, and planning to remove stray dogs.
“This action involves the collaboration of multiple agencies, including the Sarawak State Health Department, Sarawak Veterinary Department, Royal Malaysia Police, Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit, local authorities, and non-governmental organizations.”
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