Oral rabies vaccination in S’wak: 5,500 dogs vaccinated over two-week period

A close-up of the rabies vaccine-laced 'cookie' baits.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Apr 25: An integrated effort by various agencies and strategic partners in tackling rabies in Sarawak has shown positive development as approximately 5,500 dogs have been successfully vaccinated over two weeks through parenteral vaccination and the oral rabies vaccination (ORV programme.

According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) president Datin Sri Dona Drury Wee said the achievement was the result of two years’ worth of planning, strategic coordination, and ongoing commitment since the Rabies in Borneo Conference 2024.

Speaking during an appreciation ceremony for the implementation team behind the ORV programme, she also credited the involvement of various parties, such as veterinary teams, field personnel, and behind-the-scenes technical support covering logistics, training, data management, and community engagement for the programme’s success.

“This has enabled us to reach pets, strays, and free-roaming dogs—closing a critical gap in combating rabies,” she said.

Meanwhile, she urged pet owners to be responsible and ensure their pets are vaccinated as it not only protects the animals, but also the safety of families and the wider community.

“Rabies eradication efforts do not stop at vaccination alone, but also involve field studies to identify dog and cat populations as well as the level of public awareness of the programmes carried out.

“This helps the government formulate policies and strengthen intervention strategies to make them more effective and sustainable,” she said. — DayakDaily