(Kuching, 30th) Due to Sarawak reporting its first rabies case this year involving a 13-year-old boy scratched by a cat, the Sarawak government has decided to include cats (including pet and stray cats) in the anti-rabies vaccination program.
According to a press conference, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas pointed out that the boy, who is a cat lover, was scratched in February while feeding stray cats and is currently in critical condition at Sarawak General Hospital.
“Therefore, in addition to dogs, we will also vaccinate cats to enhance rabies prevention.”
Douglas noted that, in past cases, cats accounted for about 5% of cases, while dogs accounted for 65%.
At yesterday's (May 29) SDMC meeting, Douglas also mentioned that Kuching and Samarahan remain hotspots for rabies cases, while the number of cases in Sibu has significantly decreased.
Regarding dog vaccination, Douglas stated that the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) still faces challenges in getting dog owners to cooperate with vaccination.
“The response rate is not ideal at the moment. In addition, some animal welfare NGOs show resistance, and some dog owners face difficulties in vaccinating their pets.”
He revealed that the department is considering oral vaccines and neuter options.
Douglas urged again that anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately wash the wound with running water and soap for at least 20 minutes and seek treatment at the nearest anti-rabies clinic as soon as possible.
“We have an adequate supply of vaccines. Currently, the state has about 255 government anti-rabies clinics, with another 18 private medical institutions providing related treatments.” He emphasized that timely treatment can prevent death and complications.
Attendees of the meeting included Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Industrial, Commodities, and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi, Sarawak Deputy Secretary Datuk Buckland Bangik, Sarawak Veterinary Services Department Director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, and Sarawak Health Department Director Dr Veronica Lugah.
According to a press conference, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas pointed out that the boy, who is a cat lover, was scratched in February while feeding stray cats and is currently in critical condition at Sarawak General Hospital.
“Therefore, in addition to dogs, we will also vaccinate cats to enhance rabies prevention.”
Douglas noted that, in past cases, cats accounted for about 5% of cases, while dogs accounted for 65%.
At yesterday's (May 29) SDMC meeting, Douglas also mentioned that Kuching and Samarahan remain hotspots for rabies cases, while the number of cases in Sibu has significantly decreased.
Regarding dog vaccination, Douglas stated that the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) still faces challenges in getting dog owners to cooperate with vaccination.
“The response rate is not ideal at the moment. In addition, some animal welfare NGOs show resistance, and some dog owners face difficulties in vaccinating their pets.”
He revealed that the department is considering oral vaccines and neuter options.
Douglas urged again that anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately wash the wound with running water and soap for at least 20 minutes and seek treatment at the nearest anti-rabies clinic as soon as possible.
“We have an adequate supply of vaccines. Currently, the state has about 255 government anti-rabies clinics, with another 18 private medical institutions providing related treatments.” He emphasized that timely treatment can prevent death and complications.
Attendees of the meeting included Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Industrial, Commodities, and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi, Sarawak Deputy Secretary Datuk Buckland Bangik, Sarawak Veterinary Services Department Director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, and Sarawak Health Department Director Dr Veronica Lugah.