Dr Sim: Rabies battle requires involvement of all as changing transmission patterns involve cats, pet dogs

KUCHING (Sept 30): Members of the public need to be aware that rabies transmission patterns in Sarawak are evolving, said Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The Deputy Premier noted that cat bites and scratches are becoming more prevalent, while many dog bites involved pets unlike in previous years.

“The public must also be aware of the changing patterns of rabies. It’s no longer just dogs; it’s cats as well and no longer just street dogs.

“Everyone must play their role in ensuring Sarawak becomes rabies-free by 2030,” he told reporters after launching the Rabies in Borneo 2024 Conference here today.

The Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister opined without a collective effort, Sarawak’s anti-rabies measures would be ineffective.

He urged owners to be vigilant and ensure their pets receive annual rabies vaccinations.

He stressed Sarawak must avoid becoming infamous for failing to control rabies.

“It is important for all to do a concerted effort to be rabies-free by 2030, alongside achieving the goals of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“For that purpose, this year, SDMC (State Disaster Management Committee) came back and took over the task to combat rabies again.

“We don’t want the whole world to look at Sarawak and say, you are the only one because you failed,” he stressed.

He pointed out the World Health Organization (WHO) has set 2030 as the target to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies.

Key to the state’s efforts is the implementation of technology, such as the rabies app which tracks rabies-positive cases and vaccinations, he said.

Encouraging the public to download the app, he said it provides crucial updates, similar to the sharing of Covid-19 information.

“The digital initiative will help monitor affected areas and guide residents on vaccination locations. This will help us track rabies-positive cases and vaccinations,” he said.

Dr Sim also highlighted the active role of the Inter-Agency Border Enforcement Division (IBED) in managing the vaccination of dogs.

On human cases, he stressed the importance of immediate action in the event of an animal bite.

“The Cabinet has specially authorised our members of IBEDS to vaccinate the dogs. This initiative allows Sarawak to bolster its vaccination efforts despite a shortage of veterinary professionals.

“If anybody’s got scratches or dog bites, go to the bite clinics. If you get vaccinated after dog bites, you can be sure of 100 per cent no rabies in your brain.

“It is actually because of a failure to seek timely treatment that leads to dire consequences, as rabies has a 99 per cent fatality rate once symptoms appear,” he explained.

Among those present at the conference were Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud.