World Rabies Day 2024: Get your dogs vaccinated, licensed at awareness campaign in Kampung Semeba hall

KUCHING (Sept 27): In conjunction with World Rabies Day 2024, an anti-rabies vaccination, dog licensing, microchipping, and awareness talk will be held tomorrow at the Multipurpose Hall in Kampung Semeba.

The event will be officiated by Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

With the theme “Breaking Rabies Boundaries”, this event aims to raise awareness and combat the spread of rabies, which remains a critical public health concern in Sarawak.

Activities will include free rabies vaccinations for dogs, licensing and microchipping, educational sessions on rabies prevention, and community engagement initiatives to increase understanding of this deadly disease.

Dr Rundi said rabies remains a significant public health threat in Sarawak.

“Since the outbreak began in 2017, we have reported 81 human rabies infections, resulting in a tragic 74 fatalities.

“In 2024 alone, six new cases have emerged, highlighting the urgency of our situation. According to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH), rabies claims over 59,000 lives globally each year, predominantly in Asia and Africa.

“These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the need for immediate action to protect our communities and loved ones,” said Dr Rundi.

Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, added: “One of the most effective measures to combat rabies is through dog vaccination.

“Vaccinating our dogs not only protects them but also plays a vital role in safeguarding public health.

“Unvaccinated dogs are the primary reservoir for the rabies virus in our state, so ensuring they are vaccinated significantly reduces the risk of transmission to humans. As stipulated in the VPHO 1999, rabies vaccination is mandatory. Failure to vaccinate can result in a fine of up to RM1,000 for dog owners.”

In Sarawak, a total of 778 animal samples have been tested this year, out of which 110 tested positive for rabies.

Alarmingly, 72 of these cases (65 per cent) are from Kuching, with 21 cases still concentrated in the Padawan area and 38 cases from Kuching itself.

According to State Health Department data, from January 1 to August 31, 2024, a total of 12,587 animal bite cases were reported in Sarawak.

On average, 360 animal bite cases are reported weekly. Of these cases, 6,966 (55.34 per cent) were cat bites or scratches, 5,451 (43.30 per cent) were dog bites, and the remaining 170 (1.35 per cent) involved other animals.

Additionally, 8,703 cases (69.14 per cent) involved bites or scratches from pets, while 3,884 cases (30.86 per cent) involved wild or stray animals.

As part of the continued commitment to eradicating rabies, the “Rabies in Borneo 2024” (RIB 2024) conference will be held from Sept 30 to Oct 1, 2024, at the Imperial Hotel Kuching.

Organised by Place Borneo Sdn Bhd and co-organised by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak, this conference will bring together experts, policymakers, and advocates to discuss strategies and share knowledge on rabies prevention and control across Borneo.

Standard pricing of RM680 per delegate is available until Sept 29, 2024.

Students are encouraged to participate, with a fee of RM100 per student.

All interested parties are invited to join this important conference. Registration is now open, and early sign-up is encouraged to secure participation in this pivotal event.

RIB 2024 is supported by the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development; Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak, and Business Events Sarawak.

RIB 2024 invites relevant agencies, organisations, and stakeholders to actively participate and contribute to the collective effort to eradicate rabies in Sarawak.

For more information and updates, visit www.rabiesinborneo.com and follow RIB 2024 on Facebook.