Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian (left) signing a poster at the Rabies in Borneo conference in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak can be free of rabies by 2030 with cooperation from the public, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said that while the state government was implementing rabies control and prevention measures, it was also important for the public to do their part.
“Dog owners must get yearly vaccinations for their pets. If you get scratched or bitten, go to the bite clinic to get vaccinated.
“Rabies is preventable among humans and animals,” he told reporters after opening the Rabies in Borneo conference here yesterday.
Dr Sim said Sarawak’s target was in line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) global strategic plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.Sarawak has reported 81 human rabies cases since the outbreak began in 2017, resulting in 74 fatalities. Six new cases have been reported this year.
“We seriously want to be rabies-free by 2030 and this is a target set by WHO, so I urge everyone to do their part,” he said.
Dr Sim also called for public awareness on the changing pattern of rabies in Sarawak. He said there were increasing cases of bites or scratches from cats and pets recorded in the state this year.
As of Aug 31, 6,966 or 55% out of 12,587 bite cases involved cat bites or scratches, while 5,451 (43%) were dog bites and 170 (1.3%) involved other animals.
Of the total cases, 8,703 (69%) involved bites or scratches from pets while 3,884 (31%) involved wild or stray animals.
“It is no longer just dogs, it’s cats as well. And it’s no longer just stray dogs, it’s also your pets.
“The pattern has shifted and everyone must realise that,” he added.
Dr Sim said one way to stay updated was via the rabies app developed by the state Veterinary Services Department and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation, which provided information on rabies cases and animal vaccination.
