KUCHING: Sarawak has recorded three rabies-related deaths in 2026 as vaccination coverage remains below target, emphasising ongoing challenges in controlling the disease statewide.
Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) Director, Datuk Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, said nearly 6,000 dogs and 94 cats have been vaccinated so far in 2026.
However, this represents less than 10 per cent of the state’s target of achieving 70 per cent vaccination coverage.
“We still have a long way to go, but we are pushing towards that target by year end,” he said.
Rabies remains a concern, with 13 positive cases detected from 344 samples collected this year, translating to a 3.7 per cent positivity rate.
Kuching and Bintulu recorded the highest number of positive cases.
The state’s cumulative death toll now stands at 86 fatalities out of 93 reported cases.
Adrian noted that most positive cases involved unvaccinated dogs, highlighting the importance of increasing vaccination coverage across the state.
Sarawak currently has an estimated registered dog population of about 66,000, many of which are free-roaming.
Since 2017, more than 200,000 dogs and cats have been vaccinated as part of ongoing rabies control efforts.
To strengthen containment measures, the state has introduced the Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) Deployment Programme, a pilot initiative targeting free-roaming dogs in Kuching.
During the first week of operations from April 11 to 15, a total of 2,181 dogs were vaccinated through both injectable and oral methods in Batu Kawah and Taman Malihah.
Adrian said the initiative is aimed at improving coverage rates and breaking the chain of virus transmission, particularly in high-risk areas.
“With sustained efforts, we hope to reduce and eventually eliminate rabies in these areas,” he said.
However, this represents less than 10 per cent of the state’s target of achieving 70 per cent vaccination coverage.
“We still have a long way to go, but we are pushing towards that target by year end,” he said.
Rabies remains a concern, with 13 positive cases detected from 344 samples collected this year, translating to a 3.7 per cent positivity rate.
Kuching and Bintulu recorded the highest number of positive cases.
The state’s cumulative death toll now stands at 86 fatalities out of 93 reported cases.
Adrian noted that most positive cases involved unvaccinated dogs, highlighting the importance of increasing vaccination coverage across the state.
Sarawak currently has an estimated registered dog population of about 66,000, many of which are free-roaming.
Since 2017, more than 200,000 dogs and cats have been vaccinated as part of ongoing rabies control efforts.
To strengthen containment measures, the state has introduced the Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) Deployment Programme, a pilot initiative targeting free-roaming dogs in Kuching.
During the first week of operations from April 11 to 15, a total of 2,181 dogs were vaccinated through both injectable and oral methods in Batu Kawah and Taman Malihah.
Adrian said the initiative is aimed at improving coverage rates and breaking the chain of virus transmission, particularly in high-risk areas.
“With sustained efforts, we hope to reduce and eventually eliminate rabies in these areas,” he said.