KANGAR: The population of stray dogs along the Malaysia-Indonesia border in Sarawak is contributing to the ongoing spread of rabies in the state.
Veterinary Service Department (JPV) director-general Dr Akma Ngah Hamid said that stray dogs exhibiting rabies symptoms were roaming freely in the area, attacking pets in Sarawak and facilitating disease transmission.
"We have recorded 74 deaths related to rabies since 2017, with six of those occurring this year alone.
"In contrast, Peninsular Malaysia has not seen such cases, particularly in states bordering Thailand, like Perlis, Kedah, Perak, and Kelantan, thanks to the dog vaccination programme we have implemented.
"For instance, in Perlis, we have established an immune belt, continuously vaccinating animals, including dogs, within a 50 to 80-kilometre radius of the international border," she told reporters after attending a state-level rabies awareness programme opened by Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli today.
Dr Akma said that Malaysia was declared a rabies-free nation by the World Organisation for Animal Health in 2013, but the disease resurfaced in 2015 with positive cases reported in border areas, including Perlis, Kedah, and Penang.
"We encourage pet owners, especially those with dogs and cats, to vaccinate their animals against rabies, particularly in immune belt areas, to minimise the risk of transmission to humans," she said.
She also urged individuals displaying symptoms of rabies to seek immediate medical attention, as the disease could be fatal if not treated early.