KUCHING: Sarawak has recorded 15 deaths from 17 rabies cases so far this year, while 100 animals have tested positive for the virus, says Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi.
The state Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister said the figures indicated a rise in cases in both humans and animals.
"The cumulative total human rabies cases now stands at 72, with 65 deaths, since July 2017," he said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 12).
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Dr Rundi also said 91 dogs, seven cats and two other animals were found to be positive for rabies out of 572 samples tested this year.
He said the highest number of animal rabies cases were detected in Kuching with 51, followed by Padawan (13), Samarahan (eight), Bintulu (seven), Tebedu and Lundu (six each), Bau and Sibu (two each) and Lawas, Marudi, Selangau, Siburan and Simunjan with one case each.
As such, he said the state Veterinary Services Department (DVS) and Security and Enforcement Unit have intensified anti-rabies vaccination programmes statewide.
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"As of today, the total figure of dogs vaccinated by DVS and the immune belt enforcement team across Sarawak is 36,567 against the targeted 40,000 by year end," he said.
Dr Rundi also reminded the public to take precautions and go to a clinic if bitten by an animal.
He added that dog owners were responsible for ensuring that their pets were vaccinated against rabies, which was mandatory under the state Veterinary Public Health Ordinance.
Dog owners who fail to comply may be compounded up to RM1,000, while owners who let their dogs roam freely in the streets may be fined up to RM2,500.
