The Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) today confirmed that only one cat at Kampung Tambirat in Samarahan was found positive of rabies. – File photo
KUCHING: The Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) today confirmed that only one cat at Kampung Tambirat in Samarahan was tested positive for rabies.
“The case was discovered when the cat was knocked down by a car. The driver wanted to save it but was instead bitten by it.
“Subsequently, the cat was sent to the Sarawak Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory where a test on the cat’s brain tissue using Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test confirmed that it was positive of rabies,” DVSS said in a press statement today to clarify on newspaper reports on this issue in the last few days.
The driver has also been given treatment and full anti-rabies injections at the nearby hospital.
According to DVSS, a total of 96 brain samples of dogs were tested since April, this year and 32 samples were tested positive of rabies.
DVSS said out of the 13 brain samples obtained from cats, nine were tested positive of rabies.
DVSS added that eight samples were taken from other wild animals since 2017 but they were all tested negative of rabies.
DVSS also took the opportunity to remind the public to continue participating in the vaccination progranme organised by the department.
DVSS stated that to date, 110,000 dogs and 8,545 cats have been vaccinated.
“Even private veterinarians provide similar services and 10,000 animals have been vaccinated by them with anti-rabies vaccine,” DVSS said.
All these are part of efforts to curb the spread of the dreaded disease, it added.
Those who are bitten by animals have been advised to clean their wounds thoroughly with warm water for at least 15 minutes and then seek treatment immediately from the nearby clinic.
DVSS said rabies virus can spread through animal bites and / or scratches. Therefore, the public are reminded to be more careful when handling their pets.