Pet owners getting their dogs vaccinated against rabies at the programme.
COMBATING the rabies outbreak requires the full support of the community.
Sibu division Chinese Community Leaders Association president Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau said the success in tackling the disease was not solely the responsibility of the authorities, but also depended on pet owners.
“Public cooperation is vital.
“If every dog owner ensures his pets are vaccinated and not left to roam, the risk of rabies transmission can be greatly reduced,” he said at the Mass Anti-Rabies Vaccination Programme at the Universiti Teknologi Sarawak carpark.
The event, organised by the association and the Sibu branch of Veterinary Services Department (DVS), saw more than 70 dogs vaccinated by midday.
The vaccination exercise was part of the association’s nine vaccination programmes for the year.
“All of these could only be carried out with the support of the government, the Resident’s Office and DVS Sibu, which have always been very supportive.
“Whenever we plan an event, DVS Sibu is always ready to assist by providing manpower and vaccines,” said Lau.
“This clearly demonstrates the government’s commitment to achieving a rabies-free community,” he said.
Although dog-bite cases in Sibu has declined, rabies remains a serious threat as infection is almost always fatal if not prevented early, he added.
Lau urged residents to continue cooperating with the authorities and community leaders to maintain a rabies-free environment.
“Only through close cooperation between the public, government and relevant agencies can we build a safer environment for everyone,” he added.
Similar programmes are expected to be held periodically in other areas to increase the dog vaccination coverage in Sibu towards eliminating rabies.
