KUCHING, March 22 — The Sarawak state government is studying the best approaches to strengthen efforts in controlling rabies, particularly infections among cats, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said discussions have been held with the Sarawak State Health Department and the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak to develop an integrated action plan. “Rabies continues to be a serious threat in Sarawak, with about half of the reported bites and scratches involving cats, in addition to stray dogs.   “The main challenge in rabies control now is vaccinating cats, which is more difficult because these animals tend to scratch and their saliva can carry the dangerous virus,” he told reporters at the Majlis Ramah Mesra ceremony organised by the Community Leaders and Heads of Community of the Petra Jaya Parliamentary Constituency here today.   Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak’s Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, reminded the public not to take the rabies threat lightly and to always take preventive measures, including ensuring their pets receive regular vaccinations. “Immediate action must be taken if bitten by a dog or scratched by a cat, which includes washing the wound with water and seeking treatment at a clinic for assessment and vaccination.   “Rabies vaccines for humans are now available in clinics, allowing treatment to be given quickly and effectively,” he said. — Bernama  

Dr Adrian says the samples have been sent to the Muara Tuang Sarawak Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to determine whether the pigs in the farms were infected with African Swine Fever. — AFP photo SIBU (June 30): The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sibu has deployed personnel to the Salim-Stabau area to inspect reports of pig carcasses allegedly found in a nearby tributary and has collected blood samples from two adjacent pig farms for laboratory testing. When contacted, Sarawak DVS director Datu Dr Adrian Susin said the samples have been sent to the Muara Tuang Sarawak Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to determine whether the pigs in the farms were infected with African Swine Fever (ASF). “DVS Sibu is investigating the matter and collecting blood samples from two nearby farms for testing at the Muara Tuang Sarawak Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory as we suspect ASF,” he told The Borneo Post. When asked whether samples were taken from the reported carcasses, Dr Adrian said the carcasses could not be located.   He assured the public that pork available in the local market remains safe for consumption as it has undergone stringent veterinary inspection. He also reminded pig farmers to report any signs of disease to DVS as required under the law to enable early detection and prevent potential outbreaks. Meanwhile, State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (Public Health and Housing) Datuk Michael Tiang said the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) will work closely with DVS Sibu to investigate the matter.   “SRDC will liaise with the DVS Sibu to investigate the matter, as any dead pig carcasses found dumped in public places fall under the jurisdiction of the Veterinary Department for the necessary investigation and appropriate action,” he said. Separately, Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd assured the public that operations at the Salim Water Intake remain normal and unaffected. The utility company said it immediately deployed its operations team to inspect the reported location in accordance with standard operating procedures to assess any potential impact on water quality or supply operations.   “Based on the findings of the site investigation, no abnormalities or incidents were detected within the operational boundary of the Salim Water Intake or any Sarawak Water facilities in the area,” it said in a statement. It clarified that the reported location is outside the operational area of the Salim Water Intake and does not involve any of its assets or infrastructure. “There has been no impact on the safety, quality or continuity of treated water supplied to consumers,” it added. Sarawak Water also said it has informed the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) for their information and any further action deemed necessary.