KUCHING, Dec 12: Pork available on the market is safe to eat despite an isolated case of African Swine Fever (ASF) detected in pigs in Mongkos, Tebedu District on Nov 29, 2024. Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom assured this but emphasised that the movement of live pigs is prohibited without a transfer permit from the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS).   “The DVSS has taken control measures on the affected pigs and farms to prevent the disease from spreading to nearby pig farms. Other districts in Sarawak remain free from ASF,” he said in a statement today. ASF virus only infects pigs and not humans. It does not affect other livestock because it is host-specific and not zoonotic.   Dr Rundi urged all pig farmers to improve farm biosecurity by ensuring their farms have facilities such as vehicle dips or foot dips and a solid perimeter fences.“Farmers should also control the movement of livestock, vehicles, and individuals in and out of the farm. “ASF is a pig disease that has no vaccine or cure and can cause significant losses. Therefore, farmers should pay attention and adhere to the stated control measures,” he reminded.   Pig farmers are also reminded not to feed kitchen waste or scraps to pigs without cooking it for 30 minutes to prevent the virus, and should avoid introducing new animals with unknown health status. The clinical signs of ASF include high mortality in pigs, high fever, difficulty breathing, redness or bruising on the skin, loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen joints, skin ulcers, and runny nose. “If farmers observe any of these signs, immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Services Office,” he said. Regarding the viral video on the Internet, Dr Rundi clarified that it is an old video that had occurred abroad and not in Sarawak. This video has been recirculated. He also gave assurance of sufficient supply of pork for the Christmas celebration, which can be found at any pork product shop throughout Sarawak. — DayakDaily

MIRI (Dec 11): The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) confiscated turkeys sold at several supermarkets here last week due to illegal importation. DVSS director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud confirmed that the turkeys, seized on Dec 4, were estimated to be worth RM37,000. Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud “Yes, these turkeys were confiscated due to illegal importation without a veterinary permit. “DVSS takes action against illegal imports,” he told The Borneo Post when contacted today. Dr Adrian was responding to enquiries about the seizure following complaints of a shortage of turkeys in local supermarkets. It is understood that several hotels have opted not to include turkey in their Christmas menus this year due to their unavailability from suppliers. The tradition of eating turkey during Christmas is said to have originated in Britain from the time of King Henry VIII, who decided to swap out the traditional goose for a turkey on Christmas day. King Edward VII then took to the delicacy and popularised having turkeys for Christmas after which it rapidly became a tradition amongst British people.

Dr Rundi (fifth left) with other guests of honor during the PFA Selangau ground breaking ceremony, today. SIBU: The Pig Farming Area (PFA) in Selangau will be able to breed up to 12,000 pigs after it starts operating later. The Selangau PFA groundbreaking ceremony which took place today was completed by the Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. According to Dr Rundi, the PFA in Sungai Selabi is the third largest in Sarawak and is capable of rearing up to 12,000 pigs. "This farming area will use new and modern technology. "We also emphasize biosecurity after what we experienced and learned from the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak, where all pigs, whether large or small, were eliminated, except in Simunjan. "So now we have actually learned from all that. We have to use new methods of doing things. "This includes new technology with biogas and so on, in addition to strict bio-security," he told reporters after the ceremony.  The member of the Kemena State Assembly called for this PFA to also involve local residents to supply food to farm animals such as cassava and so on. "And also if possible, for young people who are interested in entering this field, help them by providing training. "This will be a corporate social responsibility (CSR) for those around this area. "It is hoped that they can also share their experience and expertise with young local entrepreneurs who want to know about methods and threats in pig farming," he explained.  Touching further on PFA Dr Rundi said, for starters it involves pig farming, in addition to moving to other livestock such as cattle, goats and deer.   "And after that, apart from the crops we plan such as coconuts, bananas, pineapples, everything must go downstream, to downstream processing and so on. "From there we can add value to our farmers' income. "I understand that this large area is capable of generating at least RM1.5 billion in additional income for Sarawak per year, possibly by 2027 or at the latest by 2030," he explained.

Lee (center) observes a veterinary officer administering an anti-rabies injection to a pet dog held by its owner. MIRI: More than 160 pet dogs were vaccinated at the Anti-Rabies Vaccination, Dog Licensing, and Microchipping Program held last weekend at the Nam Leong Desa Senadin supermarket parking lot here. In this regard, Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin expressed his gratitude for the cooperation of pet (dog) owners for their concern in ensuring their pets were vaccinated against rabies, thus making the two-day program a success. At the same time, he also thanked the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVSS) Miri Branch for offering free vaccination services. "Therefore, I hope pet owners take this opportunity to get their pets vaccinated as a preventive measure. "Although Miri is now a rabies-free zone, we must not be complacent. “We must remain vigilant to control the situation and prevent the re-emergence of the rabies outbreak,” he said during his visit to the vaccination program held last Sunday. According to Lee, another similar program will be held this weekend at Miri Public Park, Jalan Miri-Airport here. Therefore, he once again urged the public, especially pet owners who have not yet received the anti-rabies vaccine for their pet dogs, to do so by attending the program at the specified location and date.

Mohamad said the effort would boost the supply of local beef and ensure the country reduces its dependence on imported beef. — Photo from Facebook/Mohamad Sabu LAWAS (Aug 9): The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) supports the Sarawak government’s initiative to conduct buffalo meat and dairy production in Meragang, located in the northern region of the state. Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said such an effort would boost the supply of local beef and ensure that the country could reduce its dependence on imported beef. “Malaysia is still lagging far behind in the production of local beef, where we currently can only fulfil 15 per cent of demand. “The remaining 85 per cent comes from imported beef, which shows a pressing need to boost local beef production, especially buffalo and beef cattle,” he said at a ministry gathering with farmers, breeders, and fishermen here last night. Mohamad said that Lawas was now viewed as an area with high potential for investments in the agricultural and livestock sectors, and urged the local community to seize the opportunity through the Madani Community programme to boost economic activities at the community level in five focused sectors, agriculture and food, sewing and handicraft, herbs and health, tourism and hospitality, as well as green activities and recycling. “Currently, less than 10 per cent of the RM1 billion allocation has been spent. So hopefully everyone can play their role to ensure the allocation is used as best as possible to boost incomes and the country’s food security,” he said. Mohammad also presented Buffalo Entrepreneur programme grants worth RM1.7 million to 10 recipients, Lawas district special boat licences to 38 recipients and RM370,000 in caged fish rearing assistance, livestock input, and equipment to six recipients. KPKM shared in a statement said the minister had earlier paid a courtesy call on Brunei’s Main Resources and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Setia Abdul Manaf Metussin at Bandar Seri Begawan in the morning and extended a personal invitation to attend the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and AgroTourism Exhibition (Maha) 2024 at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang from Sept 11-22. The Buffalo Breeding Station in Meragang is located 28km from Lawas town. — Photo from Facebook/Mohamad Sabu In the afternoon, Mohamad conducted a working visit to the Buffalo Breeding Station in Meragang, located 28km from Lawas town, in conjunction with the four-day Road To Maha Tour 2024@Sarawak convoy. The tour features various activities, including exploring areas with potential in producing modern agricultural technology and agrotourism, as well as holding dialogue and engagement sessions with farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen. The tour programme aims to be a platform to build a network between various stakeholders involved in the agriculture value chain and act as the continuation of the Road To Maha 2024@Sabah held in July. “The tour aims to promote Maha 2024 as the biggest agriculture expo encompassing the latest technology, modern and smart agriculture as well as green solutions that will determine a new direction for Malaysia’s agricultural sector,” the ministry said. — Bernama

Source: The Borneo Post MIRI (July 30): The Miri City Council (MCC) is collaborating with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in holding an ‘Anti-Rabies Mass Vaccination, Dog Licensing and Microchipping’ programme, to be taking place this Aug 3 and 4 at the parking area of Taman Tunku Market here. According to the council, the programme sets out to encourage owners to vaccinate their pet dogs, as well as for them to obtain dog licences and microchips for the animals. “Do not forget to bring your identification cards for registration, and do keep your dogs on leash during the vaccination process. “If the dogs are known to be wary of strangers or aggressive, the owners should put muzzles on the dogs. “After vaccination, the owners are to quarantine and isolate their dogs for 28 days, to allow the dogs to build immunity against rabies. “It is also important that owners must keep their dogs within their home compounds at all times,” said MCC in a statement, stressing that all dogs in Sarawak must be vaccinated against rabies, in accordance with the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order. “Any owner or person in charge of a dog who fails, without any reasonable cause, to comply with the Order, shall be guilty of an offence, punishable by a fine of not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 40(7) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. “Dogs without evidence of vaccination may be detained or removed, under the provision of this Section, by the DVS Sarawak,” it added. Anyone who allows a pet dog roam freely on the streets would be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 37(5)(a) of the same Ordinance, said MCC. “Under this Ordinance, any dog owner must keep the dog under effective control either by confining it within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for the dog to escape, or tying it up securely, or leading it by a chain or lead of strong cord or leather properly secured to a collar, or harness being put on the dog. “The local authority may seize and impound any dog that is not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws 2018,” said the council.

KUCHING: A 44-year-old woman was the latest rabies fatality in Sarawak, bringing the number of deaths to 16 out of the 18 human cases this year. State health director Dr Ooi Choo Huck said the woman died here on Tuesday after experiencing symptoms since Nov 28, and clinical samples confirmed that she had rabies. He said she had six pet cats that roamed freely and were never vaccinated against rabies. “One of her cats died two months ago. The woman, who had diabetes and high blood pressure, denied having a history of animal bites but based on clinical observation, she had old scratches and wounds and was constantly licked by her cats.   “However, she never sought treatment or rabies vaccination at a health facility,” he said in a statement yesterday. Dr Ooi said rabies cases in Sarawak had increased to 18 between Jan 1 and Dec 13, compared with 14 in the same period last year. Of this year’s cases, he said five were reported in Sibu, four each in Serian and Kuching, three in Bintulu, and two in Samarahan.   The cumulative number of cases now stands at 73 with 66 deaths since the outbreak was declared in July 2017. Given the rise in cases, Dr Ooi reminded the public to take preventive steps against rabies. These include seeking immediate treatment at a post-bite clinic for animal bites or scratches and getting a complete course of the anti-rabies vaccination. The anti-rabies vaccine is available at 130 post-bite clinics at public health facilities and 29 private medical centers in Sarawak. “Also, 11 hospitals provide rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) jabs for high-risk cases,” Dr Ooi added. Rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by several lyssaviruses, including the rabies virus. The disease affects the central nervous system, and once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is nearly 100% fatal. Capable of infecting both domestic and wild animals, rabies spreads to people and animals through saliva, usually through bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucosa (through eyes, mouth, or open wounds). Globally, children between the ages of five and 14 are the most frequent victims.

KUCHING, Nov 19: Three positive rabies cases were detected in Kuching this week, involving a stray dog and two pet dogs, one of which is a puppay. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng stated that one case resulted from a stray dog bite at Everbright Estate, Jalan Batu Kawa. “Another case involved a pet dog located at Taman BDC. The people noticed that the dog appeared to be showing symptoms of rabies, so they decided to have the dog undergo diagnostics. “There was also a puppy that had an owner but had not yet been vaccinated. After being born, the puppy passed away as soon as it began to move. The puppy was sent to be diagnosed, and rabies symptoms were discovered,” Wee said during his ShallWeeTalk livestream yesterday (Nov 18). The mayor said that the puppy was initially discovered in close proximity to a shopping mall. “So sometimes when you see puppies on the road, let the professionals be the one handling them. Don’t let your children touch or hold the puppies when they see them as well. This also applies to cats. We hope that we can avoid it (rabies). “And to pet owners, you should try your best to keep your pets at home and don’t let them come out, as they may also be affected by the situation.” Wee continued: “So I’m hoping that everyone can work together to reduce the number of rabies cases. We will, of course, continue to do our jobs. “We also hope that the relevant authorities will be more strict in dealing with this. Because there appear to be cases every week. And we hope that this will not continue to expand. If so, I think there is a need for a department to monitor the situation. “Of course, I think this requires a large number of people, like our SDMC (State Disaster Management Committee). When we are vaccinating, they can legislate, and the best departments can be put together to fight against the rabies pandemic.” Wee stated that he would consult with various ministers to see what their thoughts are on the matter. He further emphasized the importance of pet owners prioritizing the safety and well-being of their pets, as well as their family members, by ensuring that the pets receive annual anti-rabies vaccinations. — DayakDaily

Source: Borneo Post KUCHING (Aug 15): Kampung Narum in Marudi, Miri has been declared as a new rabies infected area after a stray dog was confirmed as rabies positive on Aug 2, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister said since 2017, a total of 73 rabies infected areas had been declared in the state. “This year, the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) has tested 392 samples and found 73 dogs and five cats to be positive for rabies. “Animal rabies were detected in Lundu (3), Bau (2), Kuching (31) , Padawan (18) , Kota Samarahan (5) , Siburan (1) , Serian (1), Tebekang (4), Sibu (1), Selangau (1), Mukah (1), Bintulu (2), Marudi (1) and Lawas (1),” he said in a statement today. In view of the increased number in rabies cases, Dr Rundi said DVSS has intensified the anti-rabies vaccination programme throughout the state where concentrations are mainly in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri divisions. He also said that the department will further intensify the programme, including a mass vaccination exercise which will be held on Aug 19 and 20 at Tempat Letak Kereta Taman Awam Miri from 9am to 4pm. He said DVSS and the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) have set a target of 40,000 heads of dogs to be vaccinated across Sarawak in 2023 and to date, they have successfully vaccinated 27,668 dogs.   Sarawak had recorded 13 deaths from 15 rabies cases this year, according to the State Health Department. Since 2017, the cumulative total human rabies cases now stands at 70, with 63 deaths. Dr Rundi said Sarawak is currently experiencing a rise in rabies cases for both human and animals. “Owners who let their dogs roam freely on the streets shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 37 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO), 1999. “Dog owners must keep their dogs under effective control by confining it within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for the dog to escape,” he said. He added that local authorities may seize and impound any dogs not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by-laws, 2018.  

Source: The Borneo Post Sarawak Medical association concerned about S’wak public apathy to rabies KUCHING (May 26): The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sarawak laments that a lot of people are still taking rabies for granted although it is a very deadly disease. As a reminder, its chairman Dr Liew Shan Fap pointed out that Sarawak has recorded 66 cases of human rabies and 59 deaths since the outbreak in 2017. He cautioned that the death rate due to rabies among humans is very high in Sarawak, and the number of rabies cases has markedly increased this year despite the various measures taken by the authorities. He pointed out that from January 1 till May 15 this year, Sarawak has recorded 11 rabies cases and nine deaths, which is a worrying fact. “We must stress that rabies death is 100 percent preventable. In the Sarawak setting, the single most important aspect that still has room for improvement is public awareness. Many are still not aware how deathly rabies is and many are not familiar with a treatment plans for rabies post-exposure,” he said in his opening remark at ‘The dog bite kills rabies awareness public forum’ at MBKS Auditorium today. Dr. Liew also noted that some pet owners do not follow the local council’s recommendations or regulations, and there are many measures that could be taken to improve this. “A lot of people are still taking the disease for granted, taking it easy. This is not good for us because in order to eradicate rabies, everyone has roles to play. “The most important role is the public. Despite the government being able to do a lot, without the cooperation from the public, it is unlikely that it can eradicate rabies in Sarawak,” he said.

Source: The Borneo Post Sarawak Dr Sim: Eliminating rabies responsibility of all, not just govt KUCHING (May 26): The government can only be successful in eliminating rabies in Sarawak if everyone does their part, said Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian. In fact, he stressed, everyone should be the champion against the deadly disease.   “Eradication of rabies is the responsibility of all, including pet animal lovers, not just the government. hope everyone plays their part, we in SDMC (Sarawak Disaster Management Committee) will continue to do our part so that by 2030, we will not just be able to eliminate rabies but so that the WHO (World Health Organisation) will not name Sarawak as a country in the whole world that had failed to eradicate rabies.   “Most important is we all play our role to save lives,” he said at the ‘Dog bite kills rabies awareness public forum’ at MBKS Auditorium today. The Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government said the Veterinary Department, the Health Department, and the relevant agencies have all gone beyond expectations to keep rabies under control.   He said Sarawak almost managed to control the spread of rabies before the Covid-19 pandemic through measures, vaccination programs, stray dogs’ control, and public awareness. “We did so well before COVID. But now because the disease is coming back, the number has increased, and everybody panicked. “If people panic, do something. Don’t panic just to blame others. By blaming people, you cannot solve everything. Let’s do the action together, work together so that eight weeks from now, the number of dog bites and rabies will drop because we all are doing something together,” he said.   He stressed that all must shoulder the responsibility, especially by keeping their pet dogs within their own house compound or vicinity. “All of us must do our part to prevent the spread of rabies,” he reminded.

Source: MalayMail KUCHING, May 14 — Deputy Premier Datuk Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the people’s failure to keep their guard up had contributed to the rabies casualties in Sarawak since its first reported case in 2017. The Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister said back in 2017 when the first rabies death was recorded, people had behaved well and adhered to the advice of having their pets vaccinated. "Rabies has still been the same since 2017 but our behaviour has changed. We need to maintain that behaviour (of not letting our guard down). Don’t let the guard down, you should treat it as if rabies is still around. Dogs must go for vaccination every year,” he said when met by reporters after launching the Kuching Car Free Morning initiative at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) building here today. Dr Sim pointed out that the Department of Veterinary Services of Sarawak (DVSS) is still providing vaccination for pet owners but people thought that rabies had gone away. He said he would be puzzled if pet owners and the community at large still had no clue what to do to keep rabies at bay since its first case in 2017. "You must bring your dog for vaccination, and cannot wait for the government to vaccinate your dog. If you’re sick, would you expect the doctor to come to your house? We cannot go to every house to do vaccination. Even in 2017, when we did that (house-to-house vaccination), some places we went two or three times, people were not at home,” he added. He said the people must continue being aware of the need to have their pets vaccinated against rabies. "Rabies has not changed, the treatment has not changed, it’s the same philosophy. If you get scratches and dog bites, you must go for treatment.” Given this, Dr Sim appealed to everyone to do their part and uphold their good behaviour rather than letting their guard down. According to him, the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will convene soon to deliberate the matter. Early this month, Dr Sim said Sarawak recorded 11 rabies cases as of April this year, eight of which involved casualties.

Source: The Borneo Post KUCHING (May 21): The large number of free-roaming dogs poses a challenge to the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) in efforts to eradicate rabies, said its director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud. He said the department had so far vaccinated 230,000 dogs with anti-rabies vaccine since the outbreak in Sarawak in 2017, but educating the public on responsible pet ownership is still a big challenge. “Prevention of animal bites is an important aspect in preventing the spread of rabies. Our department receives not less than 250 bite cases every month. From January to April (this year) a total 1,200 bite cases were received from both unprovoked and provoked types.   “That is why it is important to remind our friends, family and neighbours on responsible pet ownership to prevent such incidents from happening,” he said at the DVSS Rabies Awareness and Department of Agriculture AgriCOP programme held at Kampung Semeba yesterday.   The event, held in conjunction with ‘Rami Gawia Semeba’ (Semeba Gawai Celebrations), was launched by Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang who represented Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. It was announced that Dr Rundi and his deputies Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and Martin Ben had contributed financial allocations to make the event possible.   Dr Adrian said that the increase in rabies cases in the state recently had caused panic among the public, and he reminded everyone that “it incurs a lot of cost to treat rabies because it involves lives”. He also mentioned that since the rabies outbreak which started from Serian in 2017, there were already 59 people who lost their lives out of 66 human cases.   According to him again, other Asean countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines are also recording rabies cases and casualties. “This clearly shows immediate action must be taken and cooperation from all sectors of the society must continue to combat rabies,” he said. Dr Adrian expressed his appreciation to the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) under the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UPKS) which has vaccinated almost 50,000 animals near the Sarawak – Kalimantan border to produce this immune belt against rabies.   He also informed pet owners in Semeba and surrounding villages to be responsible and ensure the animals are vaccinated against rabies because there were samples from 11 dogs there within a 10km radius tested positive for rabies. Meanwhile, Lo in his speech said rabies is a deadly infectious disease, and is still a serious threat to animals and humans around the world, not just in Sarawak. “Responsible dog owners should always supervise the movement of their dogs so that they do not roam freely in public places, and ensure that (owners of) pet dogs obtain a license from the local authorities and (their pets) are vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccine every year.   “If we are exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies, we should wash the wound under running water and soap for at least 15 minutes and immediately seek treatment at a nearby clinic or hospital. This is the first step in treatment to prevent rabies. Therefore, it is very important for us to understand and take appropriate preventive measures,” he said.   Meanwhile, also held concurrently with the rabies awareness and mass vaccination was the promotion of AgriCOP program under the Sarawak Department of Agriculture.   Lo said the AgriCOP program was introduced and implemented in 2020 to enable target groups to be exposed to the latest agricultural technology through lectures, exhibitions and also agricultural models and demonstrations.   With Semeba and surrounding villages located near Kuching city, he said the village folks can consider joining the AgriCOP programme to start or increase their farming activities and earn extra income.   Also present at the event were Ministry of Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development’s permanent secretary Sirai Daha, Department of Agriculture deputy director Ronald Ripid, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai and Kuching Division Bidayuh Temenggong Dato Austin Dimin.  

Source: DayakDaily KUCHING, Jan 19: Pork has been listed as one of the price-controlled items in Sarawakunder the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) in conjunction with Chinese New Year 2023, which will be in effect for 15 days from Jan 15 to Jan 29. According to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), items under the 2023 Chinese New Year SHMMP scheme are imported round cabbage (Indonesia and China, not including Beijing), imported potatoes (China), garlic (China), white pomfret (weighing between 200gm and 400gm each), white shrimp (weighing between 41 and 60 pieces per kg), live farm pigs, pork belly, and lean and fatty pork. The maximum price for live farm pigs in Sarawak is RM15 per kg, the wholesale price for pork belly is RM28 per kg while the retail price is RM30 per kg, and the wholesale price for lean and fatty pork is RM25 per kg while the retail price is RM27 per kg. The maximum price established in Sarawak is in effect in Kuching, Lundu, Bau, Serian, Simunjan, Samarahan, Asajaya, Sri Aman, Saratok, Betong, Lubok Antu, Sibu, Kanowit, Selangau, Miri, Marudi, Bintulu, Tatau, Sebauh, Kapit, Bukit Mabong, Song, Belaga, Sarikei, Julau, Pakan, Maradong, Mukah, Dalat, Matu, Daro, Limbang, and Lawas. In the related matter, the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) proposed to the federal KPDN to set a ceiling price for pork to prevent further price increase due to the upcoming Chinese New Year. - DayakDaily

Source: The Borneo Post KUCHING (Jan 12): The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will announce the much-awaited ceiling price of pork for the Chinese New Year (CNY) soon. The ceiling price was set by the ministry in late 2022. This was revealed by Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi when asked on the progress of setting the ceiling price of pork. Dr Rundi also said price stability could also be achieved by increasing frozen pork imports from overseas. At the moment the price of pork varies from place to place, thereby burdening consumers in general. “Import is only allowed from any Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) and African Swine Fever (ASF)-free countries. “There should also be engagement with relevant agencies like the Customs Department to facilitate the prohibition of illegal exports apart from engagement with farmers, importers and butchers,” he said. The Department of Veterinary Service (DVS) in particular will be instructed to expedite restocking of affected farms with the compliance of biosecurity and Good Animal Husbandry Practice (GAHP) awareness, he added. When met at the sideline of the Sarawak Premier’s Keynote Address Programme at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today. The short term solution to the pork price issue is that the ministry must fix the ceiling price so that no seller can take advantage of profiteering, he said. “Fix the ceiling price so the price would not vary anymore.” The major pig farms in Simunjan are meant for import while other farms are temporarily closed until the ASF virus is cleared, he added.

Source: The Borneo Post MIRI (Jan 11): The Sarawak government’s import ban on bakkwa or Chinese dried meat from Peninsular Malaysia still stands, confirmed Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud. When contacted today, he said the ban is necessary to curb the spread of African swine fever (ASF). “Yes (the ban is) because of ASF. There is a current outbreak in Penang,” he said. He pointed out that those found importing the delicacy into Sarawak may face a maximum compound of RM25,000. Dr Adrian added that the ban would stand until the peninsula is ASF free. Recently, a traveller travelling from the peninsula to Miri claimed that the bakkwa that he brought in for the upcoming Chinese New Year was seized by a DVS officer upon arrival at Miri Airport. The traveller also claimed that he had been fined RM5,000. Sarawak began imposing a ban on bakkwa and other pork products as well as live pigs from the peninsula in 2020.

Source: Sarawak Tribune KUCHING: The proposal to set ceiling price for pork to stabilise and prevent further price hikes can only resolve the issue temporarily.Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said in order to resolve the price hike, which was due primarily to supply shortage; the state government should allow more traders to import pork.“The price control proposed by the state government can only resolve the price hike problem in short term but it will not resolve the supply shortage issue,” he said in a statement today (Jan 4). KUCHING: The proposal to set ceiling price for pork to stabilise and prevent further price hikes can only resolve the issue temporarily.Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said in order to resolve the price hike, which was due primarily to supply shortage; the state government should allow more traders to import pork.“The price control proposed by the state government can only resolve the price hike problem in short term but it will not resolve the supply shortage issue,” he said in a statement today (Jan 4).According to the Stampin MP, about 90 per cent of pig farms in Sarawak were affected by the African Swine Fever.Thus, he said it was high time for the Sarawak government to embark upon a programme to encourage more affected pig farmers to adopt new and modern farming methods.“This will involve more government grants and soft loans to be given out to assist the farmers to upgrade their facilities and farms,” he said after meeting Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Chan Foong Hin to discuss the issue of increasing pork price and the future of the pig farming industry in Sarawak.Chong, who is also the Kota Sentosa assemblyman hoped that there will be proper planning and cooperation between the federal and state governments, to ensure the industry can revive from the ASF outbreak and take a leap to a higher level of modern farming. He said the pork price has gone up several times since last year which was due to shortage despite the assurance by Sarawak Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi on Nov 11, last year that the supply of pork in the state was in surplus.

Source: The Borneo Post DVSS director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said the department will roll out more free mass vaccination programmes to add on to the 11,000 dogs vaccinated this year. — Bernama photo SIBU (Dec 27): The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) targets to vaccinate at least 40,000 dogs across the state next year in a further bid to curb the spread of rabies. DVSS director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said the department will roll out more free mass vaccination programmes to add on to the 11,000 dogs vaccinated this year. “We will conduct more free mass vaccinations and will carry out programmes near the border together with the Immune Belt Enforcement Team from UKPS (Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit),” he told The Borneo Post yesterday. Adding on, Dr Adrian reminded pet owners on the importance of yearly anti-rabies vaccination for dogs. “Owners are urged to get their dogs vaccinated against rabies every year in accordance with the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order. “Failure to do so is an offense under Section 40, Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, 1999 with a fine not exceeding RM2,500,” he said. He also called on owners to neuter their pets for population control and to prevent unwanted litters. “License your dog with your local council, avoid your pets from mixing with strays or any animals with unknown vaccination status, and be aware of signs of a rabid dog such as change in behaviour, aggressiveness, fear of exposure to light or hypersalivation.” If bitten, scratched or exposed to a suspected rabid animal, immediately wash the wound thoroughly under running water for at least 15 minutes and seek treatment at the nearest clinic or hospital, he said.

Source: The Borneo Post Dr Rundi said the pig farming area in Simunjan is supplying enough fresh pork to the market in Kuching.– AFP photo KUCHING (Dec 19): Half of the pig farms in Sarawak have been affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF), resulting in the current shortage of fresh pork in the city, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development Minister, however, said the shortage of fresh pork is not severe given that the supply remains sufficient. According to him, the pig farming area (PFA) in Simunjan is supplying enough fresh pork to the market here. “The shortage of fresh pork is due to half of the farms in Sarawak affected by ASF. However, Borneo Pork outlet (PFA Simunjan) is still selling fresh pork and supply is enough,” he said today when asked whether there was any shortage of fresh pork here. Also contacted was Sarawak Livestock Breeders Association committee member Dr Ng Siew Thiam who said the current shortage of fresh pork would not be a problem to celebrants of Lunar New Year early next year. According to him, there is a reduced supply of fresh pork and the shortage is not acute. “We still can cope with the demand and there will be sufficient supply of pork for this coming Chinese New Year,” he said. Dr Ng said the shortage of fresh pork happened in wet markets because the number of butchers in these trading places had registered a drop. He said there were few butchers in wet markets also because due to the limited supply of live pigs. He further said that the limited supply of live pigs was due to ASF, which led to the closure of many pig farms. “There is a limited supply of live pigs because of ASF which resulted in depopulation of pigs and many farmers closed their farms because they don’t want to take the risks,” he added. Dr Ng said he could not provide a figure on how many pig farms had closed down due to ASF. As for the prices of fresh pork, he said they keep on soaring and it also depends on the demand and supply. “There is no standard price as it quite depends on butchers naming the price. More importantly, there are variables determining the price, one of them being the limited supply of live pigs.” He said many consumers had opted for frozen pork and they would not have difficulties in acquiring frozen pork. He said when there was shortage of fresh pork in wet markets, consumers may still be able to get fresh pork at selected retail outlets. “The shortage of fresh pork can be addressed by replacement of frozen and imported pork. Many food services use frozen pork,” added Dr Ng. The Borneo Post made a trip to the Stutong Community Market here to find the live pig section closed for business today. According to a petty trader there, the shortage of fresh pork has been ongoing for a couple of weeks. “There is a shortage but I don’t know why since I am not a pork seller,” said the trader.

Sumber: Utusan Borneo Sarawak Dr Simon pada Persidangan DUN hari ini. - Gambar Muhammad Rais Sanusi KUCHING: Pindaan Ordinan Kesihatan Awam Veterinar,1999 selepas Rang Undang-Undang Kesihatan Awam Veterinar (Pindaan), 2022 diluluskan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) membantu memperkasakan lagi peranan Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sarawak (JPVS) membendung penyakit haiwan berjangkit melalui sempadan negeri ini.   Dr Simon Sinang (GPS-Tebedu) berkata, malahan ia akan membolehkan pasukan khas Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) yang ditubuhkan di bawah Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS) membantu JPVS menjalankan aktiviti kawalan penyakit haiwan berjangkit melalui sempadan di antara Sarawak dengan Kalimantan yang dikenali sebagai immune belt atau jaluran/zon penampan.  "Inisiatif penubuhan IBET adalah langkah yang konkrit ke arah menangani penularan wabak rabies serta membantu JPVS mengawal wabak penyakit demam babi Afrika di pedalaman secara sistematik dan berkesan.  "Pada masa yang sama pasukan ini dapat membantu Sarawak mengekalkan status bebas penyakit kaki dan mulut atau foot and mouth disease (FMD) di mana status ini membolehkan Sarawak mengeksport haiwan dan produk haiwan dengan nilai melebihi RM300 juta setahun," katanya. Beliau berkata demikian ketika membahaskan RUU Kesihatan Awam Veterinar (Pindaan), 2022 yang dibentangkan Menteri Industri Makanan, Komoditi dan Pembangunan Wilayah Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom yang diluluskan DUN pada persidangan hari ini.   Dr Simon Sinang (GPS-Tebedu) berkata, malahan ia akan membolehkan pasukan khas Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) yang ditubuhkan di bawah Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS) membantu JPVS menjalankan aktiviti kawalan penyakit haiwan berjangkit melalui sempadan di antara Sarawak dengan Kalimantan yang dikenali sebagai immune belt atau jaluran/zon penampan.  "Inisiatif penubuhan IBET adalah langkah yang konkrit ke arah menangani penularan wabak rabies serta membantu JPVS mengawal wabak penyakit demam babi Afrika di pedalaman secara sistematik dan berkesan.  "Pada masa yang sama pasukan ini dapat membantu Sarawak mengekalkan status bebas penyakit kaki dan mulut atau foot and mouth disease (FMD) di mana status ini membolehkan Sarawak mengeksport haiwan dan produk haiwan dengan nilai melebihi RM300 juta setahun," katanya. Beliau berkata demikian ketika membahaskan RUU Kesihatan Awam Veterinar (Pindaan), 2022 yang dibentangkan Menteri Industri Makanan, Komoditi dan Pembangunan Wilayah Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom yang diluluskan DUN pada persidangan hari ini. Tambah Dr Simon, sebanyak 32 team IBET akan ditempatkan di sepanjang 1,032 kilometer (km) di sempadan Sarawak-Kalimantan.  Katanya di Semenanjung Malaysia terdapat juga pewujudan immune belt (30-50km) di sempadan Thailand-Malaysia (melibatkan negeri Kedah dan Kelantan) yang dikendalikan JPV Malaysia tetapi tidaklah sebegitu komprehensif seperti IBET di Sarawak. Beliau berkata selain pengawalan sempadan, kerjasama yang berterusan bersama Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak (JKNS) amat penting dalam pengurusan ‘integrated bite case management’ di mana kes gigitan haiwan dilaporkan kepada JPVS.  Sehubungan itu IBET membantu JPVS dengan memastikan setiap kes gigitan diambil tindakan segera serta mengelakkan penyakit ini meragut lebih banyak nyawa di Sarawak. "Penularan wabak rabies di Sarawak adalah serius sehinggalah pada 2017 pihak berkuasa telah mengisytiharkan wabak tersebut sebagai Bencana Tahap II seperti yang termaktub dalam Arahan Majlis Keselamatan Negara No.20 (MKN 20) yang mewajibkan semua agensi kerajaan menggunakan sumber-sumber secara bersepadu untuk membendung penularannya.  "Sejak 2017 hingga kini seramai 46 orang terkorban daripada 52 mangsa rabies. Manakala tahun 2022 sahaja lapan terkorban daripada 12 kes.  "Rabies boleh dikawal sekiranya 70 peratus populasi anjing di Sarawak disuntik vaksin rabies dan mangsa yang digigit perlu mandapat rawatan segera di hospital. Sementara itu beliau turut bersetuju dengan idea penubuhan agensi baharu iaitu Perkhidmatan Pemeriksaan dan Kuarantin Sarawak di bawah Kementerian Industri Makanan, Komoditi dan Pembangunan Wilayah untuk membantu Jabatan Veterinar, Jabatan Pertanian dan Jabatan Perikanan bergabung menjaga ICQS di Biawak, Tebedu, Sungai Tujuh dan di lapangan terbang. "SAQIS ini serupa dengan MAQIS di Semenanjung di bawah MAFI. Penubuhannya akan menyelesaikan masalah kekangan staf veterinar dan pertanian yang kritikal serta dapat fokus kepada tugasan dan dapat saling membantu IBET.  "Saya juga ingin menyarankan agar Kerajaan Sarawak menambah jawatan veterinar daripada 290 pelbagai gred kepada sekurang-kurangnya 1,000 orang agar dapat menyaingi DVS Sabah yang mempunyai lebih 750 staf untuk mengawal penyakit, tugas regulatori dan pembangunan industri ternakan," katanya.  

Source: The Borneo Post KUCHING (Nov 23): Stakeholders in the swine industry have been urged to cooperate with the Sarawak government to curb the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in the state. Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said they should not rely on the authorities alone for prevention and control of ASF. “So far we have contained the pig farming area (PFA) in Tanah Puteh, Simunjan because they have very good compartmentalisation where they can control it. “Nonetheless, I need to have full cooperation from the public as well as the authorities. “It is almost or near impossible for the authorities to do it alone, but with cooperation of the public especially pig farmers, we should be able to contain ASF,” he said in his winding up speech on the Veterinary Public Health (Amendment) Bill, 2022 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today. He was responding to Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Padungan) who had earlier in his debate, sought for clarification on what was the current status of ASF control in the state. Chong had opined that measures to control the spread of ASF have not been very effective resulting in pig farming industries in the state facing a lot of challenges. “I have received feedback from pork sellers during my visits to markets that there’s a serious shortage of pork supply and that is also one of the reasons why the price of pork has increased many times over the last year. “They are seeking help from the government to be more generous in helping these affected farms,” he said. On the authorisation of Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) officers under the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit to assist the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) to administer vaccination and carry out relevant statutory functions and duties of the State Veterinary Authority, the DAP Sarawak chairman suggested that the state government should consider employing more staff under the authority as opposed to allowing other public officers to assist them. He said engaging IBET was not the solution to the shortage of manpower faced by DVSS as there are specific functions and duties involved. “If DVSS is short-handed, then the correct way to resolve this problem is to increase employees and staff of the authority rather than to try and put together other officers or other government servants from other departments or ministries to help out in this duty undertaken by DVSS,” he said, noting that the officers may not be experienced in handling issues of rabies or other issues involving animals. “What the government should do is to allocate more budget in employing more staff who are properly trained to be assigned under the veterinary authority. “That would be more effective in helping to carry out the duties under the authorities,” he added. The Veterinary Public Health (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was unanimously passed at DUN Sitting today.

Kuching: Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (Dun) Sarawak hari ini meluluskan Rang Undang-Undang Kesihatan Awam Veterinar (Pindaan) 2022 untuk memberikan kuasa Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sarawak (JPVS) dalam memerangi penularan wabak rabies. Menteri Industri Makanan, Komoditi dan Pembangunan Wilayah Sarawak Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom berkata, selain memberikan fungsi dan tugas kepada mana-mana pegawai awam, rang undang-undang itu juga bertujuan membolehkan kebenaran diberikan kepada orang lain oleh JPVS untuk mengedarkan ubat veterinar. Beliau berkata, wabak rabies di Sarawak bermula pada 2017, apabila kes pertama dalam kalangan manusia dilaporkan di daerah Serian dan sehingga kini, sebanyak 72 kawasan di negeri ini diisytiharkan sebagai kawasan jangkitan rabies. Dr Rundi berkata, susulan wabak ini, Sarawak menubuhkan Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) baru-baru ini untuk melengkapi dan menyokong JPVS dalam pengawalan rabies dan menjalankan program kesedaran dalam kalangan masyarakat. "Oleh itu, pindaan ini penting kerana ia memberikan kebenaran kepada kakitangan IBET untuk membantu JPVS mentadbir vaksinasi dan melaksanakan tugas dan fungsi JPVS mengikut undang-undang berkaitan," katanya ketika membentangkan rang undang-undang itu. Sementara itu, ketika membahaskan rang undang-undang berkenaan Lo Khere Chiang (GPS-SUPP) berkata, penempatan pegawai IBET dalam membantu JPVS akan memaksimumkan liputan pengesanan dan program pengawasan rabies di sepanjang sempadan Sarawak-Kalimantan. "Disebabkan kekurangan tenaga kerja JPVS, pindaan ini tepat pada masanya dan akan membolehkan IBET membantu JPVS membendung penyakit itu. Kerjasama antara agensi ini akan meningkatkan dan mengukuhkan keberkesanan penguatkuasaan," katanya. IBET yang diselia oleh Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Negeri (UKPN) Sarawak mempunyai 108 ahli yang ditugaskan memantau 978 kampung, ladang dan pos kawalan di seluruh Sarawak dan kawasan sempadannya.

Source: newsarawaktribune KUCHING: The Veterinary Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2022 was unanimously passed by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, after debate. Four state assemblymen took part in the debate. Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom who tabled the Bill sought to amend the Sarawak Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. It was seconded by Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah. It is to allow the State Veterinary Authority to delegate its functions and duties to any public officer, and to allow authorisation of other persons by the State Veterinary Authority to dispense veterinary drugs. “As we all know, there’s an outbreak of rabies and to be exact, the first rabies case was detected in Serian on July 1, 2017. “Up to now, there are a total of 72 areas in the state, which have been declared as rabies-infected areas. “To date, there are a total of 51 rabies cases in Sarawak and from the figure, 44 have succumbed to the disease,” he said, adding that it is a serious matter that the state needs to look into. The GPS-Kemena assemblyman said the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UPKS) has established the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) on June 22, 2020. He pointed out that IBET will play a significant role to complement the Department of Veterinary Services (DVSS) in its rabies control effort and conduct awareness programmes among community. As of now, they (IBET) are empowered to conduct controls by carrying out the awareness programmes. “Currently, there are no existing provisions in the Sarawak Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 to authorise and give due power to IBET officers to vaccinate dogs and dispense veterinary drugs. “Therefore, it is proposed that they be given any legal authority and power to any person, especially IBET officers, in performing their task of dispensing vet drugs and vaccinations as stipulated in Section 57 of the Ordinance. “We have a total of 32 IBET officers, and they can strengthen our fight against rabies with DVSS to cover the whole of Sarawak-Kalimantan border, especially vaccinating dogs in some 1,000 settlements and villages along the border,” he said, adding that it provides an effective strategy and prevents the spread of rabies in rural areas. Rundi acknowledged that Sarawak is shorthanded in terms of manpower compared to Sabah, which has about 700 staff members and Sarawak only has about 200 people. “With that, what we like is to have full cooperation from the public and authority as it is near impossible for the authority to do it alone. “But with public cooperation, we should be able to contain this and by 2025, rabies will be fully eradicated,” he said.

Source: Utusan Borneo Sarawak LAWAS: Kemasukan baka kerbau susu ‘Murrah’ ke Sarawak dan diternak di Stesen Penternakan Kerbau Maragang, Lawas, pada masa akan datang bakal memberi impak besar kepada sosioekonomi masyarakat terutamanya penternak kerbau di kawasan utara Sarawak seperti Lawas dan Limbang.  Penolong Pegawai Veterinar Kanan Pejabat Veterinar Daerah Lawas Robine Asut berkata usaha kerajaan ini sekaligus ‘membuka pintu’ kepada generasi muda untuk menceburi bidang penternakan dan menjadi usahawan berjaya.  “Apabila sudah ada kerbau Murrah nanti, ia akan memberi hasil yang berlipat kali ganda dimana penternak akan mendapat dua hasil dalam satu masa iaitu pertamanya susu kerbau yang boleh dikatakan sebagai ‘emas putih’, keduanya daging kerbau iaitu ‘emas merah’. “Ini bakal meningkatkan pendapatan penternak kerbau yang sekarang dari RM4,000 sebulan kepada RM6,000 sebulan hasil daripada susu dan daging kerbau ini,” katanya ketika ditemu bual pemberita di Stesen Penternakan Kerbau Maragang, Lawas, di sini.  Robine menjelaskan ini adalah hasrat kerajaan negeri Sarawak melalui Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sarawak agar dapat meningkatkan populasi kerbau dan juga bilangan penternak yang terlibat yang kemudiannya meningkatkan pendapatan bulanan mereka dengan adanya inisiatif baharu ini. “Sekarang kita ada lebih kurang 500 penternak di Sarawak dan mungkin menjelang tahun 2030 jumlah ini akan dilipat gandakan kepada 800 orang penternak dengan adanya penglibatan golongan belia yang berminat dalam industri ternakan kerbau ini.  “Jadi untuk orang-orang muda kita yang sedang melanjutkan pelajaran di institusi pengajian tinggi kini, mereka boleh menceburi bidang ini (selepas tamat belajar) dan tidak hanya bergantung dengan kerja-kerja di sektor kerajaan mahupun swasta sahaja. “Sebelum ini industri penternakan kerbau diusahakan oleh mereka yang sudah berumur, disebabkan itu kini orang muda dipanggil untuk membangunkan industri ternakan di Sarawak pada masa akan datang kerana mereka ada pemikiran yang baik dan mempunyai akses kepada teknologi maklumat,” ujarnya.  Dalam pada itu, Robine berkata dengan adanya baka kerbau Murrah ini nanti akan dapat menghasilkan susu antara 15 hingga 25 liter sehari.  “Berbanding dengan kerbau sawah yang ada sekarang, kita hanya dapat menghasilkan lima ke enam liter sahaja susu, itupun hanya cukup untuk kerbau itu memberikan susu kepada anaknya.  “Kerbau Murrah pula jika kita jaga pemakanannya dengan baik, kualiti makanan dan nutrien dijaga, kita akan dapat menghasilkan susu antara 15 ke 25 liter satu hari.  “Itu baru satu ekor kerbau, kalau penternak ada 10 ekor kerbau Murrah, kita bayangkan pendapatan harian dia bakal terima, mungkin mereka akan mendapat pendapatan ratusan ringgit untuk satu ekor kerbau untuk satu hari,” katanya.  Melalui susu kerbau Murrah ini kelak akan diproses menjadi keju mozarela yang mana kilang pemprosesannya bakal dibina di stesen berkenaan dan dijangka siap pertengahan tahun 2024. 

Source: The Borneo Post Sarawak   The award recipients posing for a group photo with Dr Rundi (centre, back row) and other guests. BINTULU (Oct 13): Minister of Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom has challenged the teams under his ministry to deliver beyond their job expectations.   The award recipients posing for a group photo with Dr Rundi (centre, back row) and other guests. BINTULU (Oct 13): Minister of Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom has challenged the teams under his ministry to deliver beyond their job expectations. He reminded that to be in the ministry, there is no such thing as a 9am-to-5pm job, but it is an on-call job and they should be prepared to work anytime they are called for work. “Before you are even considered for the appreciation award or before being appreciated you have to do something beyond expectations. “All of us including the ministers, we are assigned with something, tasked with something to do, we must be able to do beyond that,” he said during the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) appreciation ceremony 2022 at a hotel here on last night. He said in any assignment given, one has to work hard to deliver their utmost best and that would differentiate them being an excellent or mediocre worker. Dr Rundi also shared his big vision in the ministry, saying the core business is to be able to transform the agricultural sector. He said they must be able to transform the small farming community to a group of people who engage in commercialisation. “I have seen and observed this my entire life, more so when I was young, how our late parents dwelled into something so-called traditional, trying to survive doing subsistence farming. Here we are so-called younger generation, we are here to redeem the past and this is our redemption time,” he reminded. Thus, for this transformation to materialise, he added, it requires new technology and new ways of doing things. “If the traditional way is effective and productive, yes, but if less, forget about it,” he said. Dr Rundi also pointed to the importance of food security for the state and the several initiatives that have and would be taken by the government to assist farmers using new ways of farming. “We have to assist the farmers, for bigger anchor farmers they need tax relief, output incentives, small farmers need input incentives. I am allergic to subsidies because that is the reason for what we are today, because we will be hoping and hoping,” he said. Among those present at the dinner were Dr Rundi’s wife Datin Sri Loreta Sawot, Deputy Minister of Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, the ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Edwin Abit and wife Datin Elizabeth Noria George Mitol, Bintulu Resident Datu Jack Aman Luat, DVS Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud and acting Agriculture Department director Dominic Chunggat.  

Source: Utusan Borneo, Sarawak Enam penternak yang mendapat anugerah penghargaan daripada DVSS merakam kenangan bersama Dr Rundi (tiga kanan), Dr Adrian (tiga kiri) serta tetamu lain. BINTULU: Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sarawak (DVSS) akan mengambil tindakan sewajarnya bagi mencegah kemasukan penyakit bawaan haiwan khususnya penyakit kaki dan mulut (FMD) serta membasmi penyakit demam babi Afrika (ASF). Pengarahnya Dr Adrian Susin Ambud berkata, pihaknya telah mengambil tindakan segera dan langkah berterusan untuk membendung penularan penyakit bawaan haiwan tersebut demi kepentingan kesihatan awam dan ekonomi negeri ini.  Katanya, kita tiada pilihan lain melainkan bekerjasama dengan agensi lain seperti Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS). "Kita menghadapi cabaran luar biasa sekarang ini khususnya rabies dan ASF yang telah membawa kerugian besar kepada golongan penternak," katanya dalam ucapan aluan pada Majlis Penghargaan Malam Gala DVSS 2022 bertemakan Malam Kebudayaan di sebuah hotel di sini, kelmarin. Justeru katanya, tanpa ragu setiap daripada kita seboleh mungkin perlu bekerja keras berbanding sebelumnya untuk mengekalkan status bebas FMD dan meningkatkan Tahap Sara Diri (SSL) dalam mana-mana komoditi yang diusahakan. Katanya, Australia dan New Zealand (sebagai negara penternak dan pengeksport terbesar lembu daging dan tenusu dunia) melihat FMD sebagai musuh utama kedua-dua negara tersebut. Pada masa sama katanya, beberapa sektor penternakan perlu diberi perhatian disebabkan Sarawak masih mengimport sumber makanan bagi memenuhi permintaan antaranya dalam sektor ruminan. "SSL untuk daging lembu adalah 12 peratus, daging kambing (5.5 peratus) dengan sasaran SSL untuk dua komoditi itu akan dipertingkatkan kepada 25 peratus menjelang 2030 dan 50 peratus pada 2050," katanya sambil menambah, tahun ini Sarawak mengimport daging kerbau sejuk beku bernilai RM100 juta dari India. Jelasnya, beberapa pendekatan telah dikenal pasti dan sedang dilaksanakan antaranya memperkukuhkan pelaksanaan Sistem Pawah ruminan untuk lembu, kerbau, kambing dan biri-biri, meningkatkan populasi lembu menerusi program pembangunan ternakan dan kemudahan pelaburan sektor swasta. Selain itu katanya, penswastaan stesen ternakan yang membawa kepada SSL khususnya dalam sektor ruminan yang diketuai sektor swasta berpengalaman iaitu Stesen Temudok Sri Aman untuk pembiakan kambing dan biri-biri, Stesen Karabungan Miri untuk pembiakan lembu dan Stesen Kerbau Maragang di Lawas untuk pembiakan kerbau dan pengeluaran keju mozzarella daripada susu kerbau. Katanya, DVSS yang baharu berusia lima tahun mempunyai 260 kakitangan, telah melalui pelbagai cabaran sekali gus akan sedaya upaya dipimpin dengan harapan dapat menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi Sarawak. Terdahulu seramai 21 kakitangan DVSS menerima Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (APC), 13 pesara, enam pegawai dan enam penternak berjaya pula menerima anugerah penghargaan pada malam tersebut. Penternak berjaya dari Bintulu terdiri daripada Tan Hock Song (Pang Seng Farm Enterprise) untuk ternakan babi komersial, Tiong Hua Kiong (Chicwan Poultry Farms Sdn Bhd) ternakan ayam pedaging komersial, Mamat Juna (Farm Mamat Juna) ternakan ayam kacukan, Leo Song Cheng (Borneo Rabbit Farm) ternakan arnab pedaging, Mohren Mohamad (Momobes Farm) ternakan kambing pedaging dan Basah Kesing@Ali Basah (Bintulu Husbandry) untuk ternakan biri-biri.

Source: Suara Sarawak KUCHING: Lembu dan kambing di Sarawak adalah bebas daripada penyakit kaki dan mulut (FMD), kata kata Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Pembangunan Wilayah Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. Menurutnya, walaupun negeri ini berdekatan dengan Kalimatan Barat Indonesia, haiwan terbabit tidak terdedah kepada jangkitannya kerana Sarawak telah mengharamkan pengimportan lembu dari negara terbabit. “Justeru, ternakan seperti lembu dan kambing yang akan dikorbankan sempena sambutan Hari Raya Aidiladha di negeri ini adalah sihat dan bebas penyakit,” katanya dalam kenyataan, hari ini. Tegasnya, Jabatan Veterinar juga telah mengenakan sekatan atau kawalan pergerakan ternakan dari kawasan kawalan FMD ke kawasan yang lain dan Sarawak kerana kedua-dua haiwan terbabit terdedah kepada penyakit tersebut. Dalam pada itu katanya, Sarawak mempunyai bekalan lembu yang mencukupi untuk sambutan Hari Raya Aidiladha pada tahun ini. “Negeri ini memerlukan kira-kira 2,000 ekor lembu setiap tahun bagi ibadah korban dan bekalan haiwan itu adalah mencukupi,” ujarnya.

Source: Utusan Borneo, Sarawak SERIAN: Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sarawak (JPVS) menyasarkan tiada kes rabies dilaporkan menjelang tahun 2025, kata Pengarahnya Dr Adrian Susin Ambud di sini, hari ini. Perkara itu tambahnya, hanya boleh dicapai sekiranya orang ramai bersama membantu pihaknya untuk mencegah penularan wabak berkenaan. "Program ini merupakan gabungan tiga program yang dilaksanakan di sini secara serentak. "Yakni bagi mempromosikan penjagaan binatang peliharaan yang bertanggungjawab, program pemandulan anjing peliharaan dan program perlesenan haiwan peliharaan dijalankan pihak Majlis Daerah Serian (MDS)," katanya. Program vaksinasi anti-rabies telah dilaksanakan sejak 2017 dan setakat ini 72 kawasan terjejas wabak rabies di seluruh Sarawak. Pihaknya turut merekodkan 45 kes kematian manusia sejak 2017. Hampir 10,000 ekor anjing juga telah divaksin pada tahun ini berbanding 14,000 ekor yang direkodkan pada tahun lepas. "Anjing diwajibkan untuk divaksin dan menjadi satu kesalahan di bawah Seksyen 40 (1) jika anjing peliharaan tidak divaksinkan," tegasnya. Sementara itu, Penolong Pegawai Veterinar Cassandra Ch'ng berkata, setakat jam 4 petang tadi pihaknya telah memvaksin 96 ekor anjing untuk dos pertama, sementara 34 ekor diberi dos penggalak. Pada masa sama, pendaftaran pemilikan anjing peliharaan untuk tujuan pelesenan dan menanam cip di kaunter Majlis Daerah Serian mencatatkan 36 ekor. Bagaimanapun tegas Cassandra, pilihan diberikan kepada pemilik kucing untuk membuat janji temu dan memvaksin haiwan peliharaan mereka di mana-mana cawangan veterinar swasta berdekatan di seluruh negeri. "Jangan biarkan kucing anda berkeliaran, terutama jika ia tidak divaksinkan," tambah beliau. Beliau turut mengingatkan luka terbuka jika terdedah atau terkena air liur anjing mahupun kucing yang mempunyai rabies juga senang untuk dijangkiti penyakit berkenaan. Seramai 18 kakitangan dari ibu pejabat JPVS, Makmal Diagnostik Veterinar Negeri Sarawak (SVDL), MDS dan Persatuan Pencegahan Kekejaman Terhadap Haiwan Sarawak (SSPCA) dan Place Borneo membantu menjayakan program berkenaan.

Source: Adun Kemena Facebook Page   Sarawak Agrofest yang telah tertangguh selama 2 tahun akibat pandemik COVID-19 dijadualkan berlangsung selama 3 hari bermula pada 18 hingga 20 November tahun ini di Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) dan dijangka akan dirasmikan oleh Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg. Kira-kira 14 buah negara akan dijemput untuk menyertai Agrofest Sarawak seperti Singapura, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Filipina, Myamar, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Jepun, Korea Selatan, New Zealand, Belanda termasuk dari Sabah dan semenanjung Malaysia. Tema Agrofest Sarawak 2022 kali ini adalah “Food for the Future” selari dengan hasrat Kerajaan Sarawak bagi memperkasakan agenda sekuriti makanan dan menjadi pengeksport makanan utama menjelang tahun 2030. Sasaran kunjungan seramai 50,000 orang dijangka mencatat jualan lebih dari RM3 juta. Lebih kurang 250 tapak jualan dan pameran disediakan dan Agrofest Sarawak akan menjadi platform terbaik untuk mempamerkan dan mempromosi produk agikultur, teknologi pintar berkaitan pertanian dan industri makanan di Sarawak. Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Pembangunan Wilayah Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom berkata dalam sidang media yang diadakan di billik mesyuarat Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak hari ini, berharap agar Sarawak Agrofest 2022 akan berjalan lancar dan mendapat sambutan yang menggalakkan.   KUCHING: Sarawak Agrofest yang telah tertangguh selama 2 tahun akibat pandemik COVID-19 dijadualkan berlangsung selama 3 hari bermula pada 18 hingga 20 November tahun ini di Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) dan dijangka akan dirasmikan oleh Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.  Kira-kira 14 buah negara akan dijemput untuk menyertai Agrofest Sarawak seperti Singapura, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Filipina, Myamar, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Jepun, Korea Selatan, New Zealand, Belanda termasuk dari Sabah dan semenanjung Malaysia. Tema Agrofest Sarawak 2022 kali ini adalah “Food for the Future” selari dengan hasrat Kerajaan Sarawak bagi memperkasakan agenda sekuriti makanan dan menjadi pengeksport makanan utama menjelang tahun 2030. Sasaran kunjungan seramai 50,000 orang dijangka mencatat jualan lebih dari RM3 juta. Lebih kurang 250 tapak jualan dan pameran disediakan dan Agrofest Sarawak akan menjadi platform terbaik untuk mempamerkan dan mempromosi produk agikultur, teknologi pintar berkaitan pertanian dan industri makanan di Sarawak. Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Pembangunan Wilayah Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom berkata dalam sidang media yang diadakan di billik mesyuarat Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak hari ini, berharap agar Sarawak Agrofest 2022 akan berjalan lancar dan mendapat sambutan yang menggalakkan.

Source: Borneo Post Online SIBU (Sept 1): Five areas here have been infected with rabies since the beginning of this year based on reported dog bite cases, said Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud. “Since January 2022, a total of five areas in Sibu where dogs have been tested positive for rabies, namely at Lorong Kandis 6D Sibu, Telok Assan Jalan Paradom, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Rantau Panjang, and Taman Desa Satria,” he told The Borneo Post today. In this regard, he advised pet owners to vaccinate their dogs against rabies annually. “Don’t let your dogs roam freely in public areas and outside your compound. Report to the authority if you see rabies symptoms (among dogs) such as dogs behaving strangely, becoming aggressive, staggering, not eating and drinking, drooling and dying within 10 days from the onset of first symptoms. “There is no treatment available once the dog gets infected. As it is dangerous to handle rabid dogs, inform authorities for further action. Immediately get medical treatment if you get bitten or scratched by the animal. Remember, early treatment saves life. Don’t wait until the symptoms appear until it is already too late,” advised Dr Adrian. He pointed out that rabies can be prevented, but always fatal once symptoms appear. The acute period of the disease typically ends after two to 10 days, he said, adding that once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal. “Do not litter as it attracts more stray dogs. Neutered your pet to prevent overpopulation and control strays,” he stressed. Last month, a rabid dog attacked a six-year-old girl here while playing in front of her house around 5pm at Taman Satria, Jalan Ulu Oya here. The girl was rushed to the Sibu Hospital where she received several stitches to her face as well as an anti-rabies shot.

Source: DayakDaily KUCHING, Aug 25: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap says that if sacks thrown into Sungai Semenggo 2 are confirmed to contain dead pigs, he will assist the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak in any way possible, including handling, transportation, and burial of the carcasses. According to a statement, Yap and political secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Tan Kai, visited DVS Sarawak today to discuss the sacks allegedly containing dead pigs thrown into Sungai Semenggo 2. They met DVS Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, senior veterinary officer /assistant director of the regulatory division Dr Chuo Hock Tieng, and chief enforcement officer Mohd Fahdil@Antum Hutel. Dr Adrian noted that because African Swine Fever can kill pigs in a short period of time, the procedure is to slaughter all pigs raised on the farm, as the virus can spread through various media. To prevent the virus from spreading, DVS Sarawak works with pig farmers to slaughter all pigs on the farm, and the government always prepares financial compensation for pig farmers to ease their financial burden. However, it is strictly prohibited to dispose of dead pigs in rivers because it will spread infection.Meanwhile, Dr Chuo revealed that the department contacted pig farmers within a 5km radius of Sungai Semenggo 2 and visited the farms to conduct all necessary inspections and detection. Furthermore, Mohd Fahdil disclosed that DVS Sarawak officers had visited Sungai Semenggo 2 to determine whether the contents of the sacks were dead pigs; if this is confirmed, the pig carcasses will be further tested to determine whether they carried the African Swine Fever virus.

Source: DayakDaily KUCHING, Aug 18: A total of 32,204 pigs have been disposed of as of Aug 16 this year to stamp out and curb the spread of African swine fever (ASF) disease in Sarawak. Minister of Agriculture Modernisation and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom emphasised that the strategy introduced has successfully controlled the outbreak of the disease in Limbang and Kapit divisions, where no new cases have been reported.  “But the disease was detected in Serian and Kuching divisions and both were declared ASF disease control areas on June 14 this year due to poor farm biosecurity at the breeder level. “However, people do not need to worry because this disease only infects pigs and is not zoonotic (able to infect humans). “The pork available in the market is safe for consumption and (the supply is) sufficient,” he said in a statement yesterday. He was responding to Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen who had urged the Sarawak government to be truthful and open to the public on the status of the ASF disease control measures in Sarawak. “In July this year, the Sarawak government also gave approval to pay compassionate assistance to farmers affected by the disposal,” he added. With various measures implemented and coordinated across various agencies including commercial farm breeders and breeders’ associations, Dr Rundi once again called on all pig farmers in Sarawak to continue to be vigilant and follow the management protocol to improve and tighten the bio-security as well as surrounding cleanliness and hygiene of their respective farms to avoid ASF infection.  “Do not give leftover kitchen food, but if pigs are fed with leftovers, they need to be cooked for at least 30 minutes to kill the ASF virus. “Avoid any contact between wild boars and domestic pigs by improving the physical barriers using fences or cages and do not hunt,” he said of some of the steps that must be taken. Dr Rundi also reminded breeders and farm operators to continue ASF surveillance and testing on farms and slaughterhouses and immediately report to the nearest Veterinary Services Office if there are any incidents of pig deaths. — DayakDaily

KUCHING - Tiada kes penyakit kuku dan mulut (FMD) melibatkan lembu dan kambing yang diternak di Sarawak setakat ini, kata Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Pembangunan Wilayah Sarawak, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. Artikel Penuh : https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/210715/EDISI/Lembu-kambing-di-Sarawak-bebas-FMD-selamat-untuk-ibadah-korban-1.210715 © 2018 Hakcipta Terpelihara Kumpulan  Karangkra f Source: Sinar Harian KUCHING - Tiada kes penyakit kuku dan mulut (FMD) melibatkan lembu dan kambing yang diternak di Sarawak setakat ini, kata Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Pembangunan Wilayah Sarawak, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. Beliau berkata, Sarawak telah mengharamkan pengimportan lembu dari Indonesia berikutan wabak tersebut dikenal pasti di Kalimantan Barat. Justeru, beliau berkata, ternakan yang akan dikorbankan sempena Aidiladha di negeri ini adalah sihat serta bebas penyakit. "Jabatan Veterinar telah mengenakan sekatan atau Kawalan Pergerakan Ternakan dari kawasan kawalan FMD ke kawasan yang lain. Setakat ini, bahagian yang telah diwartakan sebagai kawasan kawalan FMD ialah Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Miri dan Limbang,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan pada Sabtu. Menurutnya, Sarawak memerlukan kira-kira 2,000 ekor lembu setiap tahun bagi ibadah korban dan bekalan haiwan itu adalah mencukupi.

Sumber: The Borneo Post Sarawak KUCHING (June 23): The price of whole chicken in Sarawak will not go above RM11 per kg when the ceiling price control for chicken is discontinued next month, said the Sarawak Livestock Breeders Association. Association advisor Lee Jin Chiaw said there is a silent pact with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) not to review the price in a drastic manner. “The ceiling price of whole chicken is RM9.10 and once the ceiling price control is no longer enforced, we will not sell above RM11. This is what we have agreed with KPDNHEP, which says action will be taken against us if the price is too high,” he said when contacted by The Borneo Post here today. According to Lee, the government has been subsidising poultry farmers by up to RM1.40 per kg since the enforcement of the ceiling price control. When subsidies are withdrawn from July 1, he admitted poultry farmers would struggle. However, he said the association had never favoured the subsidy mechanism, saying prices should float according to market forces. “We are not saying that the government subsidy is not good, but poultry farming is already a mature industry in Malaysia, having achieved self-sufficiency level. “Malaysia does import chicken, but just chicken wings and drumsticks, which are considered dog food in some foreign countries. Our government allows the import of chicken wings and drumsticks to meet the local preference, but these are termed as junk food by those exporters,” he said. He said imported chicken wings and drumsticks are relatively cheaper, some sold at RM1 to RM1.20 per kg, solely because they are the unwanted products of exporting countries. “Making the matter worse, it does not enhance our competitiveness,” he said. While saying poultry farmers would survive the end of subsidies, Lee stressed the government must fight the smuggling of chicken so that the industry can grow. He pointed out that the price of chicken feed has skyrocketed since February. “Chicken feed is now priced at RM3,000 per tonne, from what used to be RM1,500 per tonne. Mind you, the price continues to soar between RM60 and RM80 per tonne per month. “This is just part of the rising operating costs, which have yet to include the impact of the new minimum wage,” he said. On Tuesday, KPDNHEP Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the ceiling price control for chicken, among others, will not be continued beginning July 1. He said the move was to ensure that the supply of food in the market was more stable and prices stabilised in the long run. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob recently announced that Putrajaya would stop providing subsidies to poultry farmers from July 1.

Source: The Borneo Post Sarawak SIBU (May 6): The African Swine Fever (ASF) situation in Sarawak is under control as no reports have been received of new infections, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development said this showed the effectiveness of the control measures that have been introduced by the ministry and implemented by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS).He said as of April 28, 17 samples have been tested, of which five samples were from pigs reared in villages confirmed positive – four in Betong and one in Sibu. “Action has been taken to decontaminate and evacuate the premises concerned. Inspections on pig farms and continuous monitoring recorded 12 negative and ASF-free samples, namely pig farms in Serian – Jalan Ensengei, Melikin, Mile 25 Siburan; Sri Aman pig slaughterhouse; and Rantau Panjang, Jalan Tien King Sibu, Futien, and Sungai Maaw, Sibu,” he said in a press statement. Separately, Dr Rundi said the pork supply for Gawai Dayak is adequate and safe for consumption. He stressed pork and pork products are supplied from ASF-free farms and inspected by DVSS. “Sarawak exports 2,000 pigs every week to Singapore and this proves that Singapore Veterinary Services as well as the Singapore Food Authority (SFA) recognise the control measures that have been implemented in Sarawak,” Dr Rundi said. “I also would like to acknowledge and convey appreciation for the cooperation by the pig farmers and also to DVSS in the infected pigs culling process in keeping the ASF from deteriorating throughout the state. Towards this end, he stressed that prevention through a strict and effective biosecurity system at the farm level is very important to prevent this disease from spreading further. “Therefore, pig farmers across Sarawak are once again reminded to improve the biosecurity of their respective farms as ASF disease is highly contagious in pig farms,” he advised. He stressed rural pig farmers are prohibited from hunting wild boar and giving uncooked swill feed surplus to their livestock. The movement of pigs in and out of infected areas is also prohibited, Dr Rundi added.

Source: DayakDaily   SERIAN, April 8: A total of 44 pet cats and dogs were neutered on Wednesday (April 6) at SJK Chung Hua Serian school hall in a subsidised neutering campaign organised by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) together with Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) and Serian Council. The neutering campaign was a continuation of the mass anti-rabies vaccination, microchipping and dog licensing programme held last Saturday at the Serian community hall and DVSS headquarters which saw over 300 dogs being vaccinated against rabies. SSPCA president Datin Dona Drury Wee emphasised that vaccination and neutering are the humane methods for the eradication of rabies. “As we move to the endemic stage now, SSPCA hopes to be able to partner with more local councils to reintroduce the subsidised neutering campaigns. “We were very happy to engage with the responsible pet owners of Serian, who understand the need to prevent unplanned pet pregnancies,” she said in a statement today following the neutering programme at SJK Chung Hua Serian. Volunteer vet Dr Sarah neutering a pet cat.  SERIAN, April 8: A total of 44 pet cats and dogs were neutered on Wednesday (April 6) at SJK Chung Hua Serian school hall in a subsidised neutering campaign organised by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) together with Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) and Serian Council.   The neutering campaign was a continuation of the mass anti-rabies vaccination, microchipping and dog licensing programme held last Saturday at the Serian community hall and DVSS headquarters which saw over 300 dogs being vaccinated against rabies. SSPCA president Datin Dona Drury Wee emphasised that vaccination and neutering are the humane methods for the eradication of rabies. “As we move to the endemic stage now, SSPCA hopes to be able to partner with more local councils to reintroduce the subsidised neutering campaigns. “We were very happy to engage with the responsible pet owners of Serian, who understand the need to prevent unplanned pet pregnancies,” she said in a statement today following the neutering programme at SJK Chung Hua Serian. Sarawak Veterinary Association (SVA) president Dr Kelvin Chai Chung Yan added that pet ownership is about responsibility towards the animal, including their offspring. “Neutering can help to solve not just your problem, but also helps to prevent your pet from potential life threatening diseases like pyometra and tumours,” he said. Dr Chair together with four vets from Kuching had volunteered their time and expertise to perform the subsidised neutering procedures from 9am to 5pm during the programme. Mona Manap, chief executive officer (CEO) of Place Borneo Sdn Bhd, the co-organiser of Rabies in Borneo Conference 2022, pointed out that the benefits of neutering and vaccinating pets against rabies still needs awareness amongst the communities in Sarawak. “That is why we have created the Rabies in Borneo Conference together with DVS Sarawak. We hope to continue educating the public and to volunteer in more neutering and vaccination programmes by the government and DVS Sarawak,” she said.

Source: The Borneo Post, Sarawak A dog is being administered the rabies vaccine at the Serian Community Hall. – Facebook photo/Sarawak Disaster Information KUCHING (April 3): Over 300 dogs were administered the rabies vaccine during two separate mass vaccination programmes held here and Serian today. Of these, 124 dogs were vaccinated at the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) headquarters here, according to a Facebook post by the Sarawak Disaster Information. Of the total, 68 dogs were given the first dose followed by 56 booster doses. The number of dog owners involved was 80. At the Serian Community Hall, a total of 189 dogs were vaccinated against rabies. Of these, 156 dogs were given the first dose while 33 others booster doses. The number of dog owners involved was 107. Apart from that, 60 other dogs were involved in the licensing and microchipping installation. “Shout out to all the dog owners in Kuching and Serian that had participated and made the Mass Vaccination Programme Against Rabies, Dog Licensing, and Microchipping Installation a success. The response was very encouraging,” said the post. Appreciation was also extended to the DVSS vaccination teams in their efforts to end rabies. The community is also urged to follow the Sarawak Disaster Information Facebook page to stay updated for the next free vaccination programme. “Stay safe, stay vigilant,” added the post.

Source: The Borneo Post Sarawak Lo hugs a dog named ‘Milo the Doggo’ during the programme, as Dr Adrian (left) and others look on. — Photo by Harry Izzdin KUCHING (April 2): The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak will be running six more anti-rabies programmes throughout the remainder of this year, as a way to provide the public with easy access for vaccination, dog-licensing, and also micro-chipping. In stating this, DVS Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud called upon all communities, especially pet owners, to participate in the programme, where they are able to obtain key information about rabies and the vaccination drive. “Starting with this one today (April 2), we will be hosting the programme on a monthly basis, covering areas such as Jalan Penrissen, Batu Kawa, and Matang-Malihah in Kuching. Public cooperation is vital when it comes to efforts in curbing the spread of rabies,” he told reporters at DVS Sarawak headquarters in Semenggok near here today. According to Dr Adrian, over 208,886 dogs have undergone vaccination since the rabies outbreak in Sarawak in 2017, but from the figure, only 20 per cent have been receiving booster jabs annually. “With a total of 14 areas being rabies-positive, it is imperative for owners to have their pets vaccinated,” he added. It is informed that the rabies-infected areas across Sarawak include Sungai Tapang Batu Kawah in Kuching, Mile 10 Padawan, Mile 11 and Mile 11 1/2 of Jalan Kuching-Serian, Taman Beverly Hill in Padawan, Jalan Bukit Ensuna in Serian, Tebako in Lundu, Munggu Demam Batu Lintang in Sri Aman, Sungai Ara in Lubok Antu, Lorong Kandis 6D in Sibu, Telok Assan Jalan Paradom in Sibu, and Sungai Tulai in Bintangor. Adding on, Dr Adrian also reminded pet owners, especially of dogs, that failure to have the animals vaccinated against rabies would be regarded as an offence under Section 40 of Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. “This is why DVS Sarawak is holding mass vaccination, licensing and microchipping exercises at two different locations – one at its headquarters here, and the other at the community hall in Serian, where we also provide neutering service. “The insertion of the microchip is intended to identify the dog’s owner, via the data that it contains, should the dog accidentally wander off or be released at a public place,” he said. Also attending the press conference was Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who stressed the importance of raising awareness and responsibility amongst the owners with regard to taking care of their pets. “By registering your dogs via licensing, the corresponding authorities would be able to gain and share accurate information about the dog population within a specific area, which would assist them in resource-planning for vaccination, control, and also prevention of rabies,” said the assemblyman, who is also Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman. Lo also called upon the owners to confine their pets within their home compounds to minimise contact with stray dogs that might be rabies-infected.

  KUCHING, March 29: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) abattoir will reopen tomorrow (March 30). In a statement today, Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said on March 9, African Swine Fever (ASF) was detected at the SMC abattoir and pork market. The ASF contaminated premises were sealed for a thorough cleaning and sanitisation operation beginning March 9. “Following the last inspection on March 25, 2022, the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) is allowing for reopening of Sibu abattoir on March 30, 2022, subjected to strict compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) given,” said Dr Rundi. He said to prevent the spread of ASF, control and surveillance at the source are of utmost importance. “All pigs delivered to slaughterhouses must come from registered pig farms. Monitoring and inspection should be conducted frequently at all checkpoints during transportation as well as in and out of the abattoir,” said Dr Rundi. In order to ensure effective implementation of SOPs in the abattoir, SMC and butchers shall be responsible for strictly enforcing the SOPs. Mar 29, 2022 @ 20:40 Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom Dr Rundi noted that ASF is a severe, highly contagious, viral disease affecting pigs, but it does not infect humans and poses no food safety risk. According to World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), ASF is not a threat to human health, said Dr Rundi. Due to the contagiousness of the disease in all breeds of pigs and that no vaccine or treatment has been developed for the virus, DVSS reminded all that prevention and practising strict farm biosecurity are the best ways to prevent the spread of ASF and the risk of intrusion of the disease. Dr Rundi said among others, local pig farmers are required to maintain proper biosecurity including strictly conducting cleaning and disinfection of the farm, controlling the access of vehicles and personnel to farms, and strengthening boundary fencing. Source: DayakDaily, Sarawak KUCHING, March 29: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) abattoir will reopen tomorrow (March 30). In a statement today, Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said on March 9, African Swine Fever (ASF) was detected at the SMC abattoir and pork market. The ASF contaminated premises were sealed for a thorough cleaning and sanitisation operation beginning March 9. “Following the last inspection on March 25, 2022, the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) is allowing for reopening of Sibu abattoir on March 30, 2022, subjected to strict compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) given,” said Dr Rundi. He said to prevent the spread of ASF, control and surveillance at the source are of utmost importance. “All pigs delivered to slaughterhouses must come from registered pig farms. Monitoring and inspection should be conducted frequently at all checkpoints during transportation as well as in and out of the abattoir,” said Dr Rundi. In order to ensure effective implementation of SOPs in the abattoir, SMC and butchers shall be responsible for strictly enforcing the SOPs. Dr Rundi noted that ASF is a severe, highly contagious, viral disease affecting pigs, but it does not infect humans and poses no food safety risk. According to World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), ASF is not a threat to human health, said Dr Rundi. Due to the contagiousness of the disease in all breeds of pigs and that no vaccine or treatment has been developed for the virus, DVSS reminded all that prevention and practising strict farm bio-security are the best ways to prevent the spread of ASF and the risk of intrusion of the disease. Dr Rundi said among others, local pig farmers are required to maintain proper bio-security including strictly conducting cleaning and disinfection of the farm, controlling the access of vehicles and personnel to farms, and strengthening boundary fencing.  

Source: Utusan Borneo, Sarawak Dr Rundi pada sidang media selepas merasmikan Majlis Pelancaran Program Penternakan Udang Kara di Sarawak di sebuah hotel di Kuching. - Gambar Roystein Emmor KUCHING: Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Pembangunan Wilayah Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom berkata ladang ternakan babi di Pasir Putih, Simunjan kira-kira 84 kilometer (KM) dari sini masih bebas daripada jangkitan penyakit demam babi Afrika (ASF).   Beliau berkata ini dibuktikan dengan hasil ternakan dari ladang tersebut masih dapat dieksport ke Singapura. Ini kerana katanya, ladang ternakan babi di Pasir Putih mempunyai sistem biokeselamatan yang tinggi dengan semua babi yang diternak di situ diasingkan. "Tidak semua ladang komersial dijangkiti ASF walaupun banyak ladang di Miri, Sibu, Sarikei dan Betong dijangkiti.  “Oleh sebab itulah kita menyekat kemasukan babi dari luar ke Pasir Putih bagi mengekang penularan ASF.   Beliau berkata ini dibuktikan dengan hasil ternakan dari ladang tersebut masih dapat dieksport ke Singapura. Ini kerana katanya, ladang ternakan babi di Pasir Putih mempunyai sistem biokeselamatan yang tinggi dengan semua babi yang diternak di situ diasingkan. "Tidak semua ladang komersial dijangkiti ASF walaupun banyak ladang di Miri, Sibu, Sarikei dan Betong dijangkiti. Oleh sebab itulah kita menyekat kemasukan babi dari luar ke Pasir Putih bagi mengekang penularan ASF." "Sebelum ini pengimport dari Singapura agak bimbang dengan situasi ini tetapi mereka kini sudah faham yang kita mengambil semua langkah (pencegahan) yang perlu dan tahu babi yang diternak di Pasir Putih bersih. Sebenarnya kebanyakkan (daging) babi yang dieksport adalah dari ladang komersial di Pasir Putih," katanya pada sidang media selepas merasmikan Majlis Pelancaran Program Penternakan Udang Kara di Sarawak di sebuah hotel di sini, hari ini. Dr Rundi berkata ASF sama seperti penyakit yang tidak dijangka, merupakan bencana kerana jika ada satu atau dua babi di ladang ternakan dikesan mati akibat virus tersebut, semua babi di situ harus dihapuskan. Mengakui langkah memusnahkan semua babi di ladang yang dijangkiti ASF langkah amat mengecewakan, Dr Rundi berkata Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sarawak (JPVS) melakukan yang terbaik bagi menghalang ia berlaku pada masa depan. "Ribuan babi terpaksa dimusnahkan, selain ada yang mati setelah dijangkiti ASF. Jika terdapat seekor dua yang mati akibat ASF, yang lain juga mesti dimusnahkan. Ini penting bagi menyekat virus ini merebak ke ladang-ladang lain," jelasnya. Katanya lagi, bangkai babi yang mati akibat ASF mesti ditanam bagi mengelak penyakit berjangkit. "Ada media sosial melaporkan penternak membuang bangkai babi mereka yang mati ke sungai atau dengan cara tidak betul. Saya telah mengarahkan JPVS melihat serius perkara ini, jika perlu kita akan memperkenal prosedur operasi standard (SOP)," ujarnya. Pada 15 Januari 2022 Dr Rundi menerusi satu kenyataan akhbar berkata bahagian Sibu dan Sarikei telah diisytiharkan serentak sebagai Kawasan Kawalan Penyakit ASF. "Tiga daerah iaitu Durin, Sibu, Meradong dan Repok di Sarikei telah disahkan sebagai Kawasan Dijangkiti Penyakit ASF. Ia berikutan selepas sampel dari beberapa ladang babi di kawasan tersebut disahkan positif ASF melalui ujian makmal pada 14 Januari lalu," katanya. JPVS pula tambahnya akan terus memantau semua ladang babi, sama ada ladang komersial, ladang pekebun kecil atau babi asli yang dipelihara di kampung dan rumah panjang. Dr Rundi turut mengingatkan semua penternak babi agar meningkatkan biosekuriti ladang mereka termasuk tidak menggalakkan lawatan ladang. Selain itu, tidak dibenarkan masuk untuk kenderaan yang tidak dibersihkan dan dinyahjangkit dengan betul. Pemberian 'swill' menggunakan sisa dapur harus dihentikan kerana produk makanan yang tercemar (termasuk daging babi) sering menjadi punca penularan ASF.  

Source: Utusan Borneo, Sarawak Dr Rundi (fourth right) receiving a memento from Dr Sajem after the signing ceremony, as Dr Abdul Rahman (second left) and Loh (third right) look on. MIRI (March 2): The state government intends to improve its food security by producing enough cattle to meet current market demand especially for beef and reduce import of cattle meat. According to the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Sarawak is only 12 per cent self-sufficient in beef and to meet the demand 88 per cent was imported mainly from Australia and New Zealand. “The state’s aspiration is to improve food security and in regard to beef, we want to achieve 50 per cent self-sufficiency level by 2030. Dr Rundi (fourth right) receiving a memento from Dr Sajem after the signing ceremony, as Dr Abdul Rahman (second left) and Loh (third right) look on. MIRI (March 2): The state government intends to improve its food security by producing enough cattle to meet current market demand especially for beef and reduce import of cattle meat. According to the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Sarawak is only 12 per cent self-sufficient in beef and to meet the demand 88 per cent was imported mainly from Australia and New Zealand. “The state’s aspiration is to improve food security and in regard to beef, we want to achieve 50 per cent self-sufficiency level by 2030. To achieve this aspiration, the involvement of the private sector is encouraged in commercial cattle production,” he said in his address when witnessing the signing of agreement for privatisation of Karabungan Agriculture Station at a hotel here today. The signing was between the state government represented by Veterinary Services of Sarawak and Alam Bumijaya Sdn Bhd. Present at the ceremony were Assistant Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development, Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; deputy director of Veterinary Services Sarawak Dr Sajem Jinim and managing director of Alam Bumijaya Sdn Bhd, Loh Poh Hwa. The agreement was signed to privatise Karabungan Agriculture Station for the purpose of commercial cattle farming for the production of beef, which will be undertaken by Alam Bumijaya Sdn Bhd as the operator. “Mostly, our beef is imported. If we cut that (imported beef), we can increase revenue for the state. But most importantly, it is also for food security. This is the future challenge the world over, not only for us in Malaysia, but all other parts of the world. We are not only looking at livestock, but we will also be looking at other agriculture activities, crops and so on, especially big plantations,” disclosed Dr Rundi. He said the government had decided to invite the private sector to invest in commercial livestock production, utilising existing government station land. Apart from Karabungan, two other livestock stations that have been chosen for commercial livestock production under this privatisation initiative are Temudok Agriculture Station for goat production and Maragang Station for buffalo production. “We want to use this (Karabungan) government’s original initiative and make it a full pledged commercialisation to produce beef. The government will facilitate and assist, especially in terms of infrastructure. We should be able to develop it within the 12th Malaysia Plan or even beyond, so that we can secure the future of our food security in this part of the world,” he pointed out. Dr Rundi said the signing of the licence agreement marks a new milestone in the commercial development of the cattle industry in Sarawak towards achieving its 50 per cent self-sufficiency level for beef and cattle population of 150,000 head by 2030. “On behalf of the government, I would like to thank Alam Bumijaya Sdn Bhd for accepting the challenge to undertake the task of going into commercial cattle farming towards realising the government’s aspiration to increase beef production in the state,” he added. Touching on the African Swine Fever (ASF) situation in Sarawak, he said it has spread in Sibu and Miri except Kuching. “Currently we are facing ASF here (Miri) and Sibu, Kuching is still safe. So the department must make awareness programmes through the public, including to advise hunters. This (hunting) is also one way that can spread the problem (ASF). They go hunting in certain areas with positive ASF, and they move it to other areas. What’s important now is how we are going to monitor this movement, plus movements from across the border. “Of course, we screen all the livestock coming in, unfortunately some are not through proper channels and that is the problem. That’s why we must strengthen our borders to make sure that we do not attract any ‘problem’ happening over ‘that side’,” he stressed.

  SIBU (Jan 2): The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak plans to vaccinate 50,000 dogs across Sarawak this year in the fight against rabies, said its director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud. In this regard, he said that anti-rabies vaccination will be carried out more actively to boost the coverage of vaccinated dogs this year. “Any latest programmes by the DVS Sarawak will be made known to everyone at the nearest time possible.   Source: The Borneo Post Dr. Adrian Susin Ambud, Director of Veterinary Services Sarawak SIBU (Jan 2): The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak plans to vaccinate 50,000 dogs across Sarawak this year in the fight against rabies, said its director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud. In this regard, he said that anti-rabies vaccination will be carried out more actively to boost the coverage of vaccinated dogs this year. “Any latest programmes by the DVS Sarawak will be made known to everyone at the nearest time possible. “The public can be updated through the DVS Sarawak, Sarawak Disaster Information and Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) Facebook page,” Dr Adrian told The Borneo Post today. According to him, the total number of dogs vaccinated against rabies across the state from Jan 1 until Dec 21 last year was 12,835 dogs. “The number vaccinated was lesser last year due to MCO (Movement Control Order). As for 2022, we plan to vaccinate 50,000 dogs.” Dr Adrian reminded them to ensure that their dog receives anti-rabies vaccine annually. “Wash wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes and seek medical treatment immediately if bitten or scratched by animal. Rabies can be prevented but always fatal once symptoms appeared,” he said. Dr Adrian revealed that the total cumulative number of rabies-infected areas in Sarawak remains at 72, where the last declared area was on July 14 last year. He further disclosed that Serian Division, being the largest division in Sarawak, has the most rabies-infected areas. The division was the first to be declared as rabies-infected area since the outbreak of rabies in 2017. “However, from Jan 1 till Dec 30, 2021, the Southern Region of Sarawak – Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Sri Aman, Central Region – Sibu, Selangau and Northern Region – Miri still had rabies positive cases that were all within the declared rabies-infected areas,” he explained. Meanwhile, Dr Adrian said two dog owners were compounded RM1,000 each under Section 37 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 last year for letting their pets roam freely.

Source: Utusan Borneo, Sarawak Dr Sim (tengah) melancarkan sambutan Hari Rabies Sedunia 2021 di Hab Inovasi Digital TEGAS di Kuching hari ini. Turut kelihatan Dr Adrian (kanan) dan Lo. Gambar PENERANGAN KUCHING: Kerajaan Sarawak serius dalam usaha menghapuskan wabak rabies dengan matlamat Sifar Rabies dalam Manusia pada 2022 dan Sifar Rabies dalam Anjing pada 2025.  Bagi tujuan itu kerajaan menurut Timbalan Ketua Menteri Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas telah meluluskan peruntukan berjumlah RM7.07 juta tahun ini di bawah Pelan Tindakan Bagi Program Kawalan dan Pembasmian Rabies 2021.  “Kawalan dan pembasmian rabies adalah keutamaan kerajaan dan diletakkan di bawah Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Negeri Sarawak (JPBNS) untuk pelaksanaan dan pemantauan yang berkesan.  “Sebagai pengerusi JPBNS, saya harus berterima kasih kepada semua agensi terlibat terutama Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sarawak (JPVS) yang menyokong program kita termasuk masyarakat umum,” katanya.  Beliau berkata demikian dalam teks ucapannya yang disampaikan oleh Menteri Kerajaan Tempatan dan Perumahan Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian sempena sambutan Hari Rabies Sedunia 2021 yang berlangsung secara hibrid dari Hab Inovasi Digital TEGAS di sini hari ini.  Tambah Uggah, rabies adalah 100 peratus boleh dicegah dan dengan vaksinasi sekurang-kurangnya 70 peratus daripada populasi anjing boleh mencegah jangkitan rabies serta menghentikan kitaran penularan kepada manusia.  Setiap tahun katanya dianggarkan 50,000 rakyat di dunia maut akibat rabies dan di Sarawak, 33 nyawa diragut sejak kes pertama dilaporkan pada Julai 2017.  Sementara itu Pengarah JPVS Dr Adrian Susin Ambud dalam ucapannya berkata tahun ini tema sambutan Hari Rabies Sedunia adalah ‘Rabies: Facts, not Fear’, fokus kepada perkongsian fakta mengenai rabies dan tidak menyebarkan mengenai penyakit ini dengan bergantung kepada mitos dan maklumat salah.  Tahun ini katanya disebabkan pandemik COVID-19, jabatan tidak mengadakan program vaksinasi rabies secara besar-besaran.  Namun katanya pelbagai program lain diadakan antaranya larian virtual, kempen kesedaran, pertandingan poster digital dan terbaru aplikasi rabies yang dilancarkan hari ini.  “Setiap tahun pasukan kita bekerjasama untuk menjayakan acara ini bagi mencapai status negeri bebas rabies dan matlamat sifar rabies bagi dunia pada 2030.  “Untuk mencapai matlamat ini, kolaborasi semua adalah penting dan satu-satunya cara untuk menghapus rabies adalah dengan bekerjasama,” katanya.  Dalam pada itu sambutan itu, turut diadakan pelancaran Aplikasi Rabies, penyampaian hadiah kepada pemenang pertandingan poster digital Hari Rabies Sedunia serta ceramah berkaitan isu rabies.  Hadir sama Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Batu Kitang Lo Khere Chiang yang juga Pengerusi Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP), Setiausaha Tetap Kementerian Kerajaan Tempatan dan Perumahan Datu Antonio Kahti Galis serta yang lain.

Source: Sarawak Borneo Post KUCHING (Oct 3): Facts are essential to raise awareness about rabies prevention and educate the public on the importance of getting their pets vaccinated, says State Veterinary Services director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud. With facts and data, the authorities would be able to advocate for elimination of rabies in the state, he said during the virtual launch of state level World Rabies Day themed ‘Rabies: Facts, not Fear’ yesterday. “Rabies is 99 per cent fatal but 100 per cent preventable,” he stated. Dr Adrian believed that fear of encountering rabid animals in the community and fear of infection can be overcome with information and education on the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies for the common good of humans and animals. “The only way we can eliminate rabies is by working together and uniting towards the common goal of Zero rabies by 2030,” he concluded.

Source: Berita Harian Gambar Hiasan KUCHING: Bahagian Limbang, Kapit dan Miri kini diisytiharkan sebagai Kawasan Kawalan Demam Babi Afrika (ASF). Pengarah Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar (JPV) Sarawak, Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, berkata pengisytiharan dibuat Timbalan Ketua Menteri merangkap Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Negeri (JPBN), Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas berikutan penemuan penyakit ASF di Sabah dan Kalimantan Utara. "Perintah ini dilaksanakan mengikut Seksyen 35 (1) Ordinan Kesihatan Awam Veterinar 1999. JPBN Bahagian Limbang yang dipengerusikan Residen Bahagian Limbang telah bermesyuarat hari ini dan tindakan bersepadu membabitkan pelbagai agensi akan dilaksanakan untuk mengekang penyakit ASF daripada merebak," katanya. Dr Adrian berkata, JPV negeri telah melaksanakan langkah kawalan seperti pengharaman pengimportan babi dan produk babi ke negeri ini dari negara atau negeri yang terjangkit dan memantapkan pemantauan ke atas semua ladang babi komersial serta babi kampung di seluruh Sarawak. Pada masa sama, beliau berkata, JPV turut melaksanakan penakaian babi di kawasan yang dijangkiti di Kampung Buduk Bui di Lawas, Limbang serta pengharaman pengerakan babi dan produk ternakan itu dari kawasan yang diisytiharkan sebagai Kawasan Kawalan ASF ke kawasan lain. "Pengawalan kemasukan babi dan produk babi dari kawasan lain ke kawasan yang diisytiharkan sebagai Kawasan Kawalan ASF memerlukan permit pergerakan dari pejabat JPV bahagian," katanya. Katanya, orang awam tidak dibenarkan memindah atau membawa babi hidup, daging babi atau hasil produk babi keluar dari kawasan kawalan, selain dilarang membawa masuk, jual beli secara dalam talian atau aktiviti kiriman pos sebarang daging babi atau hasil produk babi tanpa permit. Sementara, beliau berkata, penternak telah diarahkan untuk tidak memberi sisa makanan dapur dan sekiranya ternakan babi diberi makanan lebihan dapur, ia perlu dimasak sekurang-kurangnya 30 minit untuk membunuh virus ASF. Katanya, penternak juga perlu melaporkan kepada Pejabat JPV terdekat sekiranya terdapat sebarang kematian babi ternakan. Dr Adrian menegaskan, babi atau hasil produk babi yang dipindahkan atau ditawarkan untuk dijual atau dijual dalam pelanggaran perintah boleh disita atau dimusnahkan oleh JPV. "Tiada pampasan akan dibayar untuk sebarang babi atau hasil produk babi yang dirampas atau dimusnahkan mengikut seksyen berkenaan. Kegagalan mematuhi arahan berkenaan akan dikenakan denda tidak melebihi RM1,000. "Sesiapa yang didapati membawa masuk ternakan dan hasil ternakan dari negara luar tanpa import permit boleh dikenakan denda tidak melebihi RM50,000 dan/atau penjara tidak melebihi dua tahun atau kedua-duanya sekali," katanya. Beliau turut memberi jaminan kepada orang ramai bahawa daging babi di pasaran adalah selamat untuk dimakan kerana sumber daging babi terbabit dari ladang yang bebas virus ASF.

Source: The Borneo Post Photo shows one of the six pigs that died in Buduk Bui last week. MIRI (July 21): The Salak Tinggi Veterinary Public Health Laboratory has yet to release results of samples taken from dead pigs in Buduk Bai, Ba Kelalan last week. When contacted, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said as such the department is still unable to confirm if the animals were positive for African Swine Fever (ASF). “We will release the results next week,” he said. “My team is now at the site to do awareness, field investigation, surveillance and backyard pig census.” He was responding to a message that has been widely circulated on WhatsApp since last night claiming that bone samples taken from the dead pigs, which were sent to a laboratory in Kuching on July 13, had tested positive for ASF. The message also claimed that following the latest development, DVSS would carry out an integrated operation to cull pigs in Ba Kelalan starting July 26. According to the latest statistics from April, there are 3,243 pigs in Ba Kelalan. Sinau Selutan Pig farmer Sinau Selutan, 63, who owned five of the six dead pigs said he started to realise a change in the animals’ appetites about a week before they died. “I immediately contacted the Lawas DVS when I first realised that my pigs did not want to eat nor drink. Days later, I found that they all died,” he said. Sinau said he had taken a piece of bone from each of the dead pigs and handed them over to the Lawas DVS to test for AFS. The sixth pig found dead in Buduk Bui belonged to a pastor serving the community there. Early this month, five dead pigs were reported in Long Semadoh Rayeh and Long Tanid, amidst growing concern over the spread of AFS in Sabah and in Nunukan and Krayan provinces, North Kalimantan, Indonesia. Malaysia reported its first AFS outbreak in February this year in Sabah, where about 3,000 pigs were culled to curb the spread of the deadly virus in pigs and wild boar. On Feb 26, Limbang division was declared an African Swine Fever Disease Control Area (ASFCA) due to its geographic proximity to Sabah. Kapit and Telang Usan, which are located close to Nunukan and Krayan, have also been declared ASFCA.

Source: The Borneo Post Dog owners bringing their pet dogs for the free rabies vaccination at one of the ongoing vaccination programme in Sarawak. — Photos by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 14): Kampung Mohd Taha, Bakong, Beluru in Miri has been declared as 72nd rabies infected area in Sarawak today. However no case background was provided by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) today on the reason the village was declared as a rabies infected area. “In view of the fact that this village is within the 10km radius from other surrounding infected areas, it is now the 72nd rabies infected area,” SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said in a statement. “Up to now, a total of 72 areas in Sarawak has been declared as rabies infected areas since the outbreak in July 2017,” he added. Based on the breakdown, Kuching has seven infected areas while Samarahan (4), Serian (22), Sri Aman (6), Betong (3), Sarikei (5), Sibu (3), Kapit (1), Mukah (6), Bintulu (5), Miri (8) and Limbang (2). On another matter, the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department has jabbed a total of 206,629 dogs thus far with anti-rabies vaccine. The free-of-charge vaccination programme is on-going all over Sarawak, said Uggah, who is also Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development. However dog owners should ensure that their pet dogs get the anti-rabies vaccine on annual basis at their nearest divisional veterinary offices, he added. Failure of the owner to get his pet dog vaccinated will attract a fine of up to RM2,500 and also, the dog might be seized and put under targetted removal under Section 40 of the Public Health (Veterinary) Ordinance 1999. Allowing dogs out in any infected area and thereby exposing them to the rabies virus under Section 37 of the ordinance would attract a fine of up to RM5,000 or jail penalty of up to three months or both upon conviction of the owner(s). Members of the public are advised to report dogs with symptoms of rabies by contacting the department at 082-628248 or 082-610023 (Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit) or 016-2557267 (Rabies WhatsApp/Message). In a news report on June 10, 2021, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was quoted as saying that Sarawak has recorded four human fatality cases related to rabies this year alone. Since the rabies outbreak was declared in Sarawak on July 1, 2017, the number of cases have reached 35, with 33 fatalities, he said. Dr Noor Hisham said only two child victims survive until today. These two children however suffered serious neurological complications, he added.

Source: The Borneo Post, Sarawak File photo for illustration purposes. SIBU (July 5): The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak has launched a probe into claims that wild boars in Kapit had died from suspected African Swine Fever (ASF). Its director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said the department is aware of the claims which have been circulating over WhatsApp. “Our staff in Kapit is investigating (the veracity of the claims) now. Members of the public are urged not to share unverified news or information that can cause panic,” he said when contacted yesterday. In one of the circulated WhatsApp voice messages, an individual is heard advising against buying wild boar meat at markets in Kapit for the time being, allegedly because the boars had died from ASF, and instead to buy ‘regular’ pork. Messages offering similar advice have also been making their rounds over WhatsApp, each claiming to have heard about wild boars dying from the disease. On Feb 22, Sarawak enforced an import ban on pig, pork and pork products from Sabah following news reports that eight out of 13 pigs sampled from Pitas were tested positive for ASF. The ban was enforced under Section 8 of the Sarawak Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999, and any person caught violating the ban would face a fine up to RM50,000 or a maximum jail time of two years. This was followed by DVS Sarawak declaring Limbang as an ASF disease control area on Feb 26, due to its proximity to Sabah. According to the World Organisation For Animal Health, ASF is a highly contagious haemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, which is responsible for serious economic and production losses. The virus does not pose a health risk to humans. Meanwhile, Dr Adrian urged villagers who discover dead wild boars in their area, to immediately report the matter to DVS Sarawak’s regulatory hotline on 016-2840918.

Source: kpkesihatan.com Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) ingin memaklumkan satu (1) kematian kes rabies di kalangan manusia di Sarawak, yang telah disahkan positif pada 11 Mei 2021. KKM mengucapkan takziah kepada ahli keluarga mendiang. Kes merupakan seorang warganegara lelaki berumur 45 tahun yang tinggal di sebuah rumah pekerja kilang papan di Stapang, Selangau, Sarawak. Beliau telah dimasukkan ke wad Hospital Sibu pada 6 Mei 2021 disebabkan mengalami gejala demam, sakit kepala, sakit tekak, sakit semasa minum air dan hydrophobia. Beliau mempunyai sejarah digigit sebanyak dua kali iaitu di bahagian betis dan dagu oleh dua ekor anjing berbeza milik rakan sekerjanya pada bulan Februari dan Mac 2021 di kawasan kilang papan tersebut. Namun, beliau tidak mencuci luka di bahagian betis dan dagu dengan air yang mengalir dan sabun selama 15 minit dan tidak pernah mendapatkan rawatan selepas digigit oleh anjing tersebut. Pemilik telah membunuh kedua-dua ekor anjing tersebut tetapi tidak menyerahkan bangkainya kepada Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sarawak untuk siasatan lanjut. Pada 6 Mei 2021, kes telah dimasukkan ke wad Hospital Sibu untuk rawatan. Keadaan beliau semakin merosot dan berada dalam keadaan kritikal mulai 9 Mei 2021. Sampel klinikal untuk ujian pengesanan virus rabies telah diambil dan dihantar ke makmal Hospital Umum Sarawak dan Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) pada 10 Mei 2021. Keputusan sampel dilaporkan positif rabies pada 11 Mei 2021. Kes telah meninggal dunia pada 12 Mei 2021 jam 1:24 pagi dengan diagnosa rabies encephalitis. Dengan pertambahan kes baharu ini menjadikan jumlah terkini kes rabies di kalangan manusia di Sarawak untuk tahun 2021 adalah empat (4). Sejak wabak rabies diisytiharkan pada 1 Julai 2017 di Sarawak, jumlah kes adalah 35 dengan 33 kematian. Terdapat dua (2) kes kanak-kanak yang masih hidup namun dengan komplikasi neurologi yang teruk. Apabila jangkitan virus rabies yang berlaku melalui luka gigitan haiwan tidak diambil tindakan rawatan segera, ia boleh menyebabkan kematian sekiranya jangkitan tersebut merebak ke otak. Justeru, KKM ingin menasihati orang awam khususnya di Sarawak agar sentiasa mengambil langkah-langkah pencegahan bagi mengelakkan jangkitan virus rabies; iaitu: Sekiranya digigit atau dicakar atau terkena air liur haiwan, luka mesti dicuci menggunakan air mengalir dan sabun selama sekurang-kurangnya 15 minit; Segera dapatkan rawatan di klinik kesihatan atau hospital terdekat; Pastikan vaksin anti-rabies LENGKAP diterima mengikut temujanji yang diberikan oleh pengamal perubatan, walaupun ketika dilaksanakan perintah kawalan pergerakan (PKP) semasa pandemik COVID-19 ini; dan Tidak mengendalikan sebarang haiwan liar, termasuk anjing dan kucing liar. Bagi orang awam khususnya di Sarawak yang mempunyai haiwan peliharaan, dinasihatkan agar mengikuti langkah-langkah berikut: Sentiasa mengekalkan tahap kebersihan (hygiene) diri yang optima seperti amalan cuci tangan menggunakan air mengalir dan sabun selepas mengendalikan haiwan peliharaan; Pastikan haiwan peliharaan terutamanya anjing dibawa untuk suntikan anti-rabies setiap tahun agar dilindungi daripada jangkitan virus rabies; Tidak melepaskan haiwan peliharaan bebas berkeliaran untuk mengelakkan risiko dijangkiti rabies oleh anjing liar atau kucing liar atau haiwan mamalia liar lain; Sekiranya haiwan peliharaan berubah tingkahlaku termasuk menjadi agresif atau muram, jangan cuba menangkap atau menyentuh atau membunuh haiwan tersebut; Laporkan kepada Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar (DVS) atau Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) berhampiran untuk tindakan lanjut haiwan tersebut; Kemungkinan anjing liar dijangkiti virus rabies amat tinggi di kawasan wabak rabies. Justeru, laporkan kepada Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) jika terdapat anjing liar yang berkeliaran di kawasan tempat tinggal; dan Kawalan populasi haiwan peliharaan amat digalakkan dan dapatkan nasihat daripada doktor veterinar Kerajaan atau swasta berhampiran untuk nasihat lanjut. Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia dan Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak akan terus berusaha dan memastikan tindakan pencegahan dan kawalan rabies dalam kalangan penduduk dilaksanakan; seperti rawatan kes, pemberian vaksin anti-rabies dan immunoglobulin kepada individu yang disyaki dijangkiti virus rabies berdasarkan penilaian risiko serta komunikasi risiko. Namun begitu, kerjasama rakyat Sarawak dimohon agar mematuhi semua nasihat serta arahan yang dikeluarkan oleh Kerajaan dan Pihak Berkuasa bagi memastikan wabak rabies di Sarawak ini dapat dibasmikan. “SUNTIKAN VAKSIN PADA ANJING AKAN MENGELAKKAN MANUSIA DIJANGKITI RABIES” Sekian, terima kasih. TAN SRI DATO’ SERI DR. NOOR HISHAM BIN ABDULLAH Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan Malaysia 10 Jun 2021

Source: The Borneo Post, Sarawak KUCHING (June 11): Lawas Bazaar in the Limbang division has been declared as a rabies outbreak area following two positive cases reported recently, said State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The Deputy Chief Minister said this brought the state’s cumulative number of rabies outbreak areas to 71. “This area is 10km radius outside an area which has previously been declared as a rabies outbreak area, making it the 71st new rabies outbreak area,” he said in a statement today. Twenty-two of the total rabies outbreak areas are located in Serian followed by Kuching with seven, Miri (7), Sri Aman (6), Mukah (6), Sarikei (5), Bintulu (5), Samarahan (4), Sibu (3), Betong (3), Limbang (2) and Kapit (1). Uggah, who is also Minister of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, said a total of 205,898 anti-rabies vaccinations had been administered by the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department, which will continue the free vaccination programme for dogs across the state. He said owners must make sure that their dogs are given the jab on a yearly basis. He added that the vaccination services are available at any divisional Veterinary office or private veterinary clinic. He cautioned that dog owners who failed to do so can be fined not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. He said their dogs can also be caught and removed if found without any proof of being vaccinated. “Not restricting a dog’s movement will expose it to the rabies virus and walking the dog in a rabies outbreak area without a written permission from the department is an offence under Section 37, and is punishable by a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or a jail term of not exceeding three months.” Uggah said pet owners should neuter their dogs or cats as a means of minimising reproduction of the animal so as to prevent them from mixing with strays. According to him, signs of rabies in animals include attitude changes, aggressiveness, biting and foaming mouth, sensitivity to touch, water, light and sound, loss of appetite, lethargy, paralysis and eventually death. Animals showing such signs must be reported immediately to the department’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit by calling 082-628248 or 082-610023 or WhatsApp to 016-2557267. Individuals who are bitten or scratched by the dog should visit the nearest hospital for immediate treatment, which can save lives.

Source: The  Borneo Post, Sarawak KUCHING (May 12): Pedaan, Baram in Telang Usan and Tatau bazaar in BIntulu have been declared as the latest two rabies infected areas in Sarawak. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this means there are now a total of 69 rabies-infected areas since the outbreak started in 2017. He explained the declaration of the two new infected areas was done after two stray dogs were tested positive for rabies in the respective areas. He pointed out the stray dogs were caught and tested following an active surveillance carried out at the areas, and the samples were sent for laboratory testing. “Since both these areas are located outside the 10km radius that had been declared a rabies infected area, they are therefore now the 68th and 69th rabies infected area in Sarawak,” he said in a statement. The 69 rabies-infected areas at present are namely in Kuching with seven, Samarahan (4), Serian (22), Sri Aman (6), Betong (3), Sarikei (5), Sibu (2), Kapit (1), Mukah (6), Bintulu (5), Miri (7) and Limbang (1). Uggah, who is also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, advised dog owners to ensure that their dogs are given an anti-rabies vaccination every year at any Veterinary Office or private veterinary clinic. He said failure to do so would violate Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999, where a fine not exceeding RM2,500 will be imposed and the dog caught without proof of anti-rabies vaccination can be sent for targeted removal. “The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak wishes to remind the public that it is an offence under Section 37 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 to allow their dogs to roam freely, and to bring their pet dogs outside of rabies infected areas without a written permit from the Sarawak Veterinary Authority. Upon conviction, an individual can be fined not more than RM5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three months, or both,” he said. Uggah also reminded pet owners to neuter their pet dogs or cats to control their population. He also advised pet owners to keep their pets from mixing with stray animals, and recognise the signs and symptoms of rabies. The symptoms are a sudden change in behaviour, sensitive to water contact, light and sound, aggressive, loss of appetite for food and water, lethargy, paralysis, and excessive salivation. Animals that show any of the symptoms must be reported to the DVS Sarawak by calling phone numbers 082-628248/610023 (Direct Line Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit) or via WhatsApp or text message to +6016-2557267 immediately. Rabies has so far claimed 31 lives in Sarawak since the outbreak was declared in the state on July 1, 2017. This included two deaths recorded on March 13. The two rabies death cases recorded in Sibu and Kuching, were also the first two for the country this year.

Source: UKAS, Sarawak BA’KELALAN: Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veteriner Sarawak Daerah Lawas meneruskan Kempen Kesedaran dan Survalen Wabak Penyakit Babi African Swine Fever (ASF) dan Foot and Mouth Diseases (FMB) di 11 buah kampung dalam Daerah Lawas pada Isnin.  Antara kampung-kampung yang dilawati dalam kempen ini ialah Long Langai, Tala Buda, Long Rusu, Long Ritan, Punang Kelalan, Long Nawi, LOng Buda, Buduk Aru, Long Kumap, Long Rangat dan Long Ubau.  Kempen di kawasan Ba’kelalan yang meliputi 11 buah kampung ini merupakan kedua terakhir dilaksanakan dan telah dilaksanakan dari 11 hingga 16 April 2021 dengan kebanyakannya merupakan penternak kerbau.  Pemeriksaan telah dilakukan ke atas semua ternakan untuk memastikan setiap ternakan diperiksa dan direkodkan bilangannya sebagai rujukan pihak jabatan untuk tindakan seterusnya. Dalam lawatan ke setiap kampung juga diadakan ceramah dan taklimat serta dialog bagi membolehkan para penternak memahami penyakit berkaitan ternakan ini. Poster dan risalah berkaitan penyakit Babi African Swine Fever (ASF) dan Foot and Mouth Diseases (FMB) juga diagihkan kepada semua penternak bagi meningkatkan pengetahuan terhadap penyakit itu.  Sehingga kini, hampir 98 peratus penternak sudah dilawati oleh pasukan Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veteriner Sarawak dan sepanjang kempen diadakan tidak ada sebarang penyakit-penyakit berkaitan dikesan ataupun direkodkan. Sepanjang kempen dan survalen ini dijalankan di daerah ini, kerjasama yang diberikan setiap penternak begitu sangat baik dan tiada kes positif berkaitan penyakit tersebut berlaku di Daerah Lawas ini. Turut sama Penolong Pengarah Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veteriner Sarawak Dr. Chou, AVO Daerah Lawas Robine Asut dan AVO Hadanan Atong. -EDISI UKAS

Source: Utusan Borneo Sarawak Dr Adrian observes that many people have yet to bring their dogs for the vaccine shots. — Photos by Chimon Upon RABIES is one of the most deadly zoonotic diseases – every year, it kills nearly 59,000 people worldwide, mostly children in developing countries, according to World Organisation For Animal Health (OIE). Based on the information obtained from OIE’s website, around 99 per cent of human cases of rabies are due to dog bites.  Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans, says OIE, adding that the virus is particularly present in the saliva and brain of the infected animals. It is transmitted via the saliva of an infected animal, most often a dog. The incubation period varies – from several days to several months. Once symptoms are present, the disease is fatal for both animals and humans. According to the OIE, mass vaccination of dogs in infected areas is regarded as the only way to permanently interrupt the disease’s infectious cycle between animals and humans. he Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has vaccinated a total of 202,700 dogs against rabies throughout Sarawak since the outbreak was declared on July 1, 2017. DVS Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud assures everyone that the mass vaccination exercise is on-going, but the dog-owners can always go to the DVS office or any private veterinary clinic to have their pets vaccinated. “Please vaccinate your dog against rabies to protect it, and also your family,” he gave this advice during an interview with thesundaypost. On fatalities, Dr Adrian said 33 accumulative rabies cases with 31 deaths had been recorded since the outbreak in 2017. “This included two deaths recorded in Sarawak on March 13 this year. One case was recorded in Sibu, and the other, in Kuching.” For the record, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had said these two were the first positive cases of rabies involving humans in Malaysia for Year 2021. Asked about the main causative factor for the fatalities due to rabies in Sarawak, Dr Adrian said the dog-bite victims sought the treatment late. “Yes, due to late treatment – only seeking treatment when the symptoms had appeared,” he added. Touching on the number of rabies-risk areas in Sarawak, Dr Adrian disclosed that the number remained at 67. Giving the breakdown, he said Serian recorded the highest number – with 22 areas; followed by five areas in Mukah; four areas each in Miri and Bintulu; three areas each in Kuching, Bau and Sri Aman; two areas each in Asajaya, Simunjan, Tebedu, Betong and Julau; and one each in Lundu, Sibu, Pantu, Meradong, Kanowit, Telang Usan, Subis, Saratok, Pakan, Lubok Antu, Sarikei, Kapit and Limbang. Asked about the compliance with the anti-rabies vaccination order in Sarawak, Dr Adrian noted that many people had yet to bring their dogs for the vaccine shots. In this regard, he reminded  dog owners that failure to comply with the order without any reasonable cause could land them a fine not exceeding RM2,500 provided under Section 40(7) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO) 1999. “Under this Section, any dog found without evidence of vaccination could be detained or removed. Our DVS offices across Sarawak are open from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm daily,” he said. Dr Adrian also said owners letting their dogs roam freely on the streets could be slapped with a fine not exceeding RM2,500, under Section 37(5)(a) of the VPHO 1999. “Every owner must keep his dog under effective control, either by confining the animal within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for it to escape, or tying it up securely, or leading it by a chain or lead of strong cord or leather properly secured to a collar or harness worn by the dog,” he elaborated. Adding on, Dr Adrian pointed out that DVS Sarawak would strongly advise those bitten either by any stray dog or by their own pets to always wash the wound thoroughly using soap and water for 15 minutes, and they must go to the hospital for further treatment. Dr Adrian also reminded members of the public to be alert to the symptoms of a rabid dog. “The physical signs of rabies to watch for in dogs include fever, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, staggering, seizures, and even paralysis. As the virus progresses, the dog may act as though it is overstimulated – meaning, it is sensitive to lights, movements and sounds.” Dr Adrian said towards this end, continuous surveillance and vaccination exercises across Sarawak would be carried out by the DVS. For more information, visit Sarawak Disaster Information or DVSSarawak Facebook page, or send texts via WhatsApp line 016-255 7267.

Source: thestar KUCHING: Dog owners in Sarawak have been reminded to get their pets vaccinated against rabies or face action under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance. State Veterinary Services Department director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said dogs in Sarawak must be vaccinated yearly in accordance with the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order. He said dog owners who failed to comply with the order could be fined up to RM2,500 under Section 40(7) of the Ordinance. "Dogs without evidence of vaccination may be detained or removed under this section," he said in a statement on Wednesday (March 17). This comes after two more people were reported to have died from rabies in Sarawak on March 13, bringing the number of fatalities to 31 since an outbreak was declared in the state in 2017. Dr Adrian said the department had conducted rabies tests on 150 animal samples this year, with 31 testing positive. He also said the department had carried out a cumulative total of 202,700 anti-rabies vaccinations across Sarawak to date. "All dog owners are urged to get their dogs vaccinated at the nearest divisional veterinary office. "Continuous surveillance and vaccination across Sarawak will be carried out by the department," he said. Dr Adrian also called on animal lovers not to adopt strays with unknown vaccination status and to seek immediate medical treatment if bitten by an animal, even their own pets. In addition, he said dog owners must keep their pets under effective control and those who let their dogs roam freely in the streets were liable to a fine of up to RM2,500 under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance.

Source: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) LAWAS: Jabatan Perkhidmatan Vateriner Sarawak (DVSS) akan terus mengadakan pemantauan di kawasan sempadan Sarawak dan Sabah bagi memastikan wabak demam babi (African Swine Fever) tidak memasuki negeri ini.  Ketua Perkhidmatan Vaterinar Sarawak (DVSS) Lawas Robine Asut berkata, sebanyak 16 buah kampung dan sejumlah 851 ekor babi telah pun diperiksa di sepanjang satu minggu ini program ini dan akan diteruskan ke beberapa buah kampung lain di Daerah Lawas.  “Sepanjang satu minggu pertama program dijalankan iaitu dari 8 hingga 13 Mac 2021, Jabatan Vateriner Sarawak telah melawat 16 buah kampung di kawasan Merapok yang berhampiran dengan sempadan Sabah. “Sebanyak 102 orang penternak kecil babi telah dibuat pemantauan, diberikan kesedaran, taklimat, ceramah dan risalah berkaitan dengan wabak penyakit ini.  “Mereka juga diberikan penerangan mengenai program-program yang diberikan Jabatan Vateriner Sarawak,” katanya.  Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui bagi mengulas Kempen Kesedaran dan Survelan mengawal wabak demam babi (African Swine Fever) bagi Daerah Lawas 2021 pada baru-baru ini. Dalam perkembangan sama, beliau turut memaklumkan DVSS akan terus menjalankan pemeriksaan dan membuat survilan atau pemantauan terhadap penyakit kaki dan mulut walaupun ketika ini Sarawak bebas daripada penyakit itu. -EDISI UKAS

Source: The Borneo Post Sarawak Zolkipli said the bearded pig is a potential conduit for ASF to head into the wild population through illegal trade or illegal markets. KUCHING (Feb 23): Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is clamping down on the illegal trade of bearded pigs to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the local pig population. SFC chief executive officer and controller for wildlife, Zolkipli Mohamad Aton, said the corporation would scale up its enforcement at wet markets, illegal wild meat trading areas and logging areas to curb the commercial sale of wild meat. “Similar to Sabah, one of the pathways in preventing ASF from heading into the wilds is to clamp down on the illegal trading of bearded pigs in markets in Sarawak. It is a potential conduit for the virus to head into the wild population through illegal trade or illegal markets,” Zolkipli said in a statement yesterday. While SFC was concerned about the potential spread of ASF into the bearded pig population in the State, he said SFC also wanted to ensure that there was no spread of ASF from the wild bearded pigs into the commercial domestic pig industry, especially via the illegal wildlife trade. This fear of a spread from the wild towards the commercial pig industry, he said, had prompted the Sabah Wildlife Department to ban the hunting of wild bearded pigs. Under Section 33 of the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998, it is illegal to conduct the commercial sale of wildlife and any person found contravening this is liable for a fine of RM5,000. Any person who abets the illegal sale by purchasing the wildlife is also liable for a fine of RM2,000 under Section 34 of the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998. Zolkipli added that after discussions with the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), it was clear that SFC had to help DVSS in terms of alerts of any reported bearded pig deaths. “Thankfully, to date, we have not had any reported mass deaths of bearded pigs in Sarawak. However, we will maintain our heightened vigilance as African Swine Fever (ASF) has been reported in northern Sabah,” Zolkipli said. He added that SFC was in full support of the statement issued by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on the need to protect the domestic pig industry due to its economic importance to Sarawak. On Feb 22, Uggah had announced that Sarawak was enforcing an import ban on pig, pork and pork products from Sabah with immediate effect. The ban was enforced under Section 8 of the Sarawak Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 and he cautioned that any person caught violating the ban would face a fine up to RM50,000 or a maximum jail time of two years.  

Sumber: kpkesihatan.com Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) ingin memaklumkan bahawa terdapat satu (1) kes rabies baharu dalam kalangan manusia yang disahkan pada minggu epid ke-50, menjadikan jumlah kes rabies dalam kalangan manusia di Sarawak meningkat kepada sembilan (9) orang pada tahun 2020. Kes ini adalah seorang wanita berumur 53 tahun dari daerah Selangau, Sibu yang telah dimasukkan ke wad di Hospital Sibu pada 8 Disember 2020 dengan gejala sesak nafas dan batuk. Beliau juga mengadu sakit tekak, demam dan lemah badan selama tiga (3) hari sebelum dimasukkan ke wad. Beliau telah meninggal dunia pada 15 Disember 2020 dengan diagnosa rabies meningoencephalitis. Diagnosa disahkan dengan ujian makmal positif rabies oleh Institut Penyelidikan Perubatan (IMR) pada 17 Disember 2020. KKM mengucapkan takziah kepada ahli keluarga mendiang. Mendiang pernah digigit oleh anjing peliharaannya di bahagian jari pada bulan Oktober 2020, namun beliau tidak mendapatkan rawatan di mana-mana fasiliti kesihatan. Anjing tersebut telah mati tanpa diketahui sebab kematian beberapa hari selepas menggigit tuannya tetapi ia tidak dilaporkan kepada Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar (DVS). Mangsa juga ada membela beberapa ekor anjing dan kucing tetapi kesemua haiwan ini tidak dibawa untuk suntikan vaksin anti-rabies. Dengan pertambahan satu (1) kes baharu ini, jumlah kes rabies dalam kalangan manusia di Malaysia bagi tahun 2020 adalah sembilan (9) kes. Pertambahan kes ini juga menjadikan jumlah keseluruhan kes dalam wabak rabies di Sarawak yang diisytiharkan pada 31 Julai 2017 sehingga kini adalah berjumlah 31 kes dengan 29 kematian. Hanya dua (2) kes yang masih hidup dan kedua-duanya adalah kanak-kanak dengan sejarah telah mendapatkan rawatan awal. Kematian akibat jangkitan rabies dapat dielakkan. KKM ingin menasihati orang awam agar sentiasa mengambil langkah-langkah pencegahan seperti berikut bagi mengelakkan daripada jangkitan rabies: CUCI bahagian tubuh yang digigit anjing atau haiwan lain menggunakan air mengalir dan sabun selama 15 minit bagi menghilangkan kesan air liur; SEGERA dapatkan rawatan di klinik kesihatan atau hospital terdekat jika digigit oleh haiwan peliharaan atau anjing liar, walaupun semasa fasa kawalan pergerakan dalam pandemik COVID-19 ini; Pastikan anjing peliharaan mendapat SUNTIKAN anti-rabies setiap tahun dari klinik haiwan terdekat dan elakkan ia bercampur dengan anjing atau haiwan liar; Jika anjing atau kucing peliharaan didapati BERUBAH tingkahlaku termasuk agresif, dapatkan rawatan segera di klinik haiwan dan laporkan kepada Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar (DVS) berhampiran. Selain itu laporkan kematian haiwan tanpa sebab kepada DVS untuk siasatan selanjutnya; LAPORKAN kepada Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan jika terdapat anjing liar yang berkeliaran di kawasan tempat tinggal; dan Sentiasa mengekalkan tahap KEBERSIHAN diri yang tinggi seperti amalan cuci tangan dengan betul menggunakan air dan sabun selepas menyentuh haiwan peliharaan. KKM dan JKN Sarawak akan terus memantau situasi rabies di Sarawak dan akan berkongsi maklumat terkini berkaitannya dengan DVS Sarawak dan DVS Malaysia bagi memastikan langkah-langkah pencegahan dan kawalan jangkitan dilaksanakan dengan segera dan komprehesif. Semua rakyat Sarawak pula dipohon untuk mematuhi semua nasihat Kerajaan dan pihak berkuasa bagi memastikan masalah rabies di negeri ini dapat dikawal. Jangan biarkan haiwan peliharaan berkeliaran atau membuangnya di kawasan-kawasan awam. -TAN SRI DATO’ SERI DR. NOOR HISHAM BIN ABDULLAH

Source: newsarawaktribune KUCHING: Animal lovers should stop collecting or adopting strays with unknown vaccination status or source. Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said all dogs must be vaccinated with the anti-rabies vaccine in accordance with the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order. Any owner or person in charge of a dog who fails without reasonable cause to comply with the order shall be guilty of an offence, with a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 40(7) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO) 1999. Dogs without evidence of vaccination may be detained or removed under this section. Owners who let their dogs roam freely on the streets shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 37(5)(a) of the VPHO 1999. The Local Authority may seize and impound dogs which are not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by laws, 2018. Dr Adrian said the department has to date vaccinated some 202,700 canines with the anti-rabies vaccine. “Yearly anti-rabies vaccination is a must for all dogs in Sarawak and all dog owners are urged to get their dogs vaccinated at the nearest Divisional Veterinary Office,” he said in a statement. He also reminded the people to seek immediate medical treatment when bitten by any animal even if it was their own pet. Dr Adrian revealed that the 67 areas in Sarawak declared as rabies-infected comprised seven in Kuching, Serian (22), six areas each in Miri, Mukah and Sri Aman, Sarikei (five), Bintulu and Samarahan (four areas each), Betong (three), Sibu (two), while Kapit and Limbang has one each.

Source: Dayak Daily Dr Adrian warns dog owners not to let them go a stray. KUCHING, Dec 3: Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) will take drastic action against dog owners who let their pets roaming freely which would eventually lead them to become strays. The warning came from State DVS director Dr Adrian Susin Ambun after Sarawak registered its 28th fatal rabies case today. “We have continued to emphasise the importance for dog owners to take care of their pets, such as vaccinate them against rabies which is compulsory. However, we are still facing the threat of stray dogs which have been identified as one of the main carriers of rabies in Sarawak. It is clearly stipulated under Section 37 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 and the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing & Control) By-Laws 2018. “DVSS would like to remind that it is an offence under Section 37 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 and the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing & Control) By-Laws 2018 to let dogs roam freely. Upon conviction, an individual can be fined not more than RM5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three months, or both,” Dr Adrian told Dayakdaily here today. He reiterated that dogs roaming freely, especially in rabies-infected areas, would be caught as a preventive measure to curb the disease. “Failure to do so can be convicted under Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. A fine not exceeding RM2,500 will be imposed and the dog caught without proof of anti-rabies vaccination can be sent for targeted removal,” he said. Dr Adrian stressed that under the local authorities’ requirement, every dog needs to be licensed under the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing & Control) By-Laws 2018 where offences can be fined not more than RM5,000. Beside dogs, cats can also become rabid and be carriers of the deadly disease. “We would like to emphasise that in our fight against Covid-19 pandemic, we must not let our guard down against rabies as well,” he advised. He was commenting on the latest rabies victim, a 58-year-old man from Lundu who has been confirmed as the latest person who have died of rabies in Sarawak this year, which was announced by Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah today. The victim passed away on Nov 25, 2020 and was diagnosed with rabies meningoencephalitis. The diagnosis was confirmed by a rabies positive laboratory test by the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) the same day. The deceased had a history of being bitten by a stray dog two years ago while hunting in the jungle, but he did not seek immediate treatment at any health facility. The death is the seventh fatality from rabies in Sarawak this year. The previous case involved a 16-year-old girl who died at the SGH on Nov 11 and confirmed to be infected with the rabies virus the next day. Another rabies case involving a three-year-old boy was also reported today and that the victim is still receiving treatment for the disease and was reported to be in stable condition. Meanwhile, Dr Adrian assured that rabies is a treatable disease but not when it is already at the symptoms’ stage.“So, anyone who has been bitten by their pet dog(s) and cat(s) must seek medical attention immediately,” he advised. Symptoms of rabies include body pain, weakness, sore throat with difficulty in eating and drinking. -By, Peter Sibon, Dayak Daily

Source: Utusan Borneo Sarawak KUCHING: Wabak rabies meragut dua lagi nyawa di Sarawak menjadikan jumlah kematian meningkat kepada 31 kes sejak wabak ini diisytiharkan di negeri ini pada 1 Julai 2017.  Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah berkata kes kematian terbaharu merupakan seorang lelaki warganegara Malaysia berumur 52 tahun.  Mangsa katanya menafikan mempunyai sejarah digigit atau dicakar anjing atau haiwan mamalia lain, namun mangsa pernah menangkap dan membunuh seekor anjing peliharaan di kawasan rumah pekerja kilangnya pada 17 Oktober 2020 selepas anjing tersebut menggigit dua pekerja di situ.  Bagaimanapun katanya, bangkai anjing tersebut telah diserahkan kepada Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar (DVS) Sarawak untuk siasatan lanjut.    “Pada 31 Januari 2021, mangsa dimasukkan ke Hospital Sibu kerana mengalami gejala sakit dada, kebas di bahagian tangan kanan, muntah dan sesak nafas.  “Keadaan kesihatan mangsa merosot sehingga memerlukan bantuan alat pernafasan pada 5 Februari 2021 dan disahkan meninggal dunia pada 8 Februari dengan punca kematian adalah disebabkan jangkitan rabies,” katanya menerusi kenyataan hari ini.  Bagi kes kematian kedua pula, ia melibatkan seorang warganegara Malaysia berumur 54 tahun yang dirujuk ke Hospital Umum Sarawak (HUS) pada 5 Mac 2021 dengan gejala lemah di bahagian kaki, sakit di seluruh badan, demam, mual dan tiada selera makan. Keadaan kesihatan mangsa menurut Dr Noor Hisham merosot sehingga memerlukan bantuan alat pernafasan pada 7 Mac 2021.  Berdasarkan sejarah diberikan, mangsa pernah digigit anjing peliharaannya pada 26 Disember 2020 di bahagian dada kanan semasa mengendalikan anjing tersebut.  “Mangsa tidak pernah mendapatkan rawatan selepas digigit oleh anjing peliharaannya dan keputusan ujian rabies PCR ke atas sampel air liur mangsa yang dijalankan di Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) pada 7 Mac 2021 adalah positif. Mangsa meninggal dunia di HUS pada 7 Mac 2021 dengan punca kematian adalah disebabkan jangkitan rabies,” ujarnya.  Dengan penambahan dua kes baharu ini, jumlah keseluruhan kes sejak wabak rabies diisytiharkan di Sarawak pada 1 Julai 2017 adalah 33 kes dengan 31 kematian.  Hanya dua kes yang masih hidup dan kedua-duanya adalah kanak-kanak dengan sejarah mendapatkan rawatan awal.  Berikutan perkembangan terbaru kes rabies ini, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) dan Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak akan terus memantau situasi rabies di negeri ini dan bekerjasama dengan DVS Sarawak dan DVS Malaysia. Dr Noor Hisham turut memohon semua rakyat Sarawak untuk mematuhi semua nasihat serta arahan yang dikeluarkan kerajaan dan pihak berkuasa bagi memastikan masalah rabies di negeri ini dapat dikawal. 

Sumber: The Borneo Post Sarawak Ling shows trays of eggs in his shop. SIBU: The demand for eggs in this division has increased by about 20 per cent since the movement control order (MCO) started on March 18. Chairman of Sibu Livestock Farmers Association Ling Chi Kiong said despite the increased demand, there is no shortage of eggs here. “Rest assured the supply of eggs is sufficient to meet the domestic demand,” he added. Ling said about 200,000 eggs per day were consumed here, compared to the daily consumption of about 170,000 eggs before the MCO went into effect. He said Sibu produced about 700,000 eggs per day, about 60 per cent of is sent to Bintulu, Miri, Mukah, Kapit and other smaller towns in the central region four times a week. “Due to the MCO, we have to readjust the time for our lorry drivers to send the eggs to these towns, but sometimes, it may take longer to reach our destinations due to several logistical factors like roads blocks and so forth,” he added. Ling said eggs shortage never cropped up during this MCO period. “In fact, we are getting surplus eggs now compared to pre-MCO period.” He attributed the increased demand to eggs being an essential item and also due to its cheap price. “Moreover, eggs are also easy to handle and taken compared to other food items like chicken and fish, the demand of which has reportedly dropped during the MCO period.” Eggs are sold at a price regulated by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairsn, and are sold about RM10 per  tray, depending on the grades.

Source: The Borneo Post DVSS said it would intensify the anti-rabies vaccination programmess throughout Sarawak especially in Kuching and Sibu Division. – File photo SIBU (Dec 1): Kampung Limpaki in Limbang Division and Kampung Belawai, Tanjung Manis in Mukah Division became the latest areas to be declared as rabies-infected, making the total areas declared as rabies-infected in the state since July 2017 to 66, said the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS). “As of today (Dec 1), two additional areas were declared as rabies-infected: Kampung Limpaki in Limbang Division and Kampung Belawai, Tanjung Manis in Mukah Division, bringing the total of 66 areas (in Sarawak) declared since July 2017. DVS Sarawak hopes to de-gazette some areas in Serian Division because of no rabies positive dogs were detected during our surveillance and monitoring activities. “More rabies sampling and surveillance will be conducted throughout the state to gauge our rabies control measure,” DVSS said in a press release today. DVSS highlighted this in response to Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang’s recent statement, calling for compulsory antibodies jab for every dog bite victim. Chang had suggested for the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), DVSS and the State Health Department to review their standard operating procedures (SOP) in medical response to dog/cat bites victims. She had pointed out they should adopt the compulsory post-exposure rabies jab for every dog/cat bite and scratched victim regardless of whether the scratch was superficial or otherwise.

Source: MalayMail   Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah speaks to reporters August 10, 2020. — Picture courtesy of Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)   KUCHING, Feb 22 — Sarawak today banned the importation of pork and pork products from Sabah following reports that eight out of 13 pigs sampled from Pitas, Sabah had tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF). Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas advised the public not to buy or bring in any pork and pork products from Sabah or any neighbouring countries.  “Anyone who contravenes this Import Ban Order or imports any animal or animal product without a permit can be fined up to RM50,000 and/or imprisonment for two years as provided for under Section 9 of the  Sarawak Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999,” he said in a statement. He said the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak will also tighten biosecurity measures in the state especially in Limbang and intensify ASF disease surveillance throughout Sarawak. He said the department has conducted several engagements and awareness sessions on ASF with the relevant stakeholders, such as farmers, importers, Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad and government agencies including the Customs Department, Immigration Department, port authorities and local councils in Sarawak. “The department will also step up awareness campaign and regulatory measures to ensure the virus does not enter the state. Sarawak is still free from ASF,” he said. According to Uggah, who is also the minister for Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional, Sarawak has a total population of 30,000 sows producing 455,000 porkers annually worth RM455 million. He said it is the state Department of Veterinary Services’ responsibility to ensure that the state continues to be free from animal diseases that are zoonotic and of economic importance. “It will continue to enforce the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 to ensure pork and pork products imported are from ASF-free countries,” he added.

Source: Suara Sarawak Pengarah Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sarawak, Dr. Adrian Susin Ambud SERIAN: Berdasarkan keputusan makmal Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sarawak (JVS), sebanyak 69 sampel daripada 180 sampel anjing disahkan positif wabak rabies setakat 6 Julai lalu. Pengarahnya Dr Adrian Susin Ambud berkata, bagi tahun ini sahaja, pihaknya telah menyuntik 9,292 anjing dengan vaksin antirabies dan sejak 2017 hingga kini, populasi anjing di Sarawak dianggarkan lebih 200,000 ekor yang akan meningkat setiap tahun. Menurutnya, setakat 6 Julai lalu, pihaknya telah menyuntik lebih 168,000 anjing di seluruh negeri ini. “Kami akan teruskan program antirabies melalui pemvaksinan di seluruh Sarawak. Kami juga menggesa orang awam memastikan anjing mereka disuntik dengan vaksin seperti termaktub di bawah Seksyen 40, Ordinan Kesihatan Awam Veterinar 1999 iaitu wajib semua pemilik anjing memberi vaksin. Menjadi kesalahan di bawah seksyen ini sekiranya anjing tersebut didapati tidak disuntik dengan vaksin. Anjing tersebut boleh dilupuskan dan pemilik boleh dikompaun, kerana tidak mengikut peraturan,” katanya ketika ditemui Suara Sarawak pada Majlis Penyerahan Input Projek Ternakan Bagi Dun Tarat di sini, semalam. Beliau turut menyeru semua pemilik anjing supaya terus menjaga dan mengawal anjing mereka di rumah. “Jangan biarkan anjing berkeliaran. Sekiranya anjing itu ditangkap, pemilik boleh dikompaun. Baru-baru ini seorang pemilik anjing di Samarahan telah dikompaun RM1,000 untuk seekor anjing seperti termaktub di bawah Seksyen 37 Ordinan Kesihatan Awam Veterinar 1999 kerana membiarkan anjing berkeliaran,” katanya lagi. Sehubungan itu, pihaknya kini turut merancang meneruskan aktiviti pemvaksinan secara besar-besaran khasnya di kawasan Sibu pada 8 hingga 9 Julai ini di Sibujaya Community Hall (9.30 pagi hingga 3.30 petang) “Manakala di Bahagian Mukah akan diteruskan ke kampung-kampung bermula 7 hingga 10 Julai, dan 14 hingga 17 Julai ini. Bagi kawasan Kuching, kita telah berjaya bergerak dari Lundu sepenuhnya dan minggu ini diteruskan ke Bau pada 13 hingga 18 Julai, 20 hingga 21 Julai dan 23 hingga 24 Julai ini,” katanya lagi. Manakala untuk kawasan Miri dan Limbang jelasnya, kawasan tersebut masih bebas daripada wabak rabies ini kerana tiada kes positif dilaporkan untuk tahun ini.

Source: The Borneo Post Sabah  Disinfection of a farmhouse in Pitas following the detection of ASF. KOTA KINABALU: The African Swine Fever (ASF) virus has now spread to other districts, infecting both domestic pigs and their cousins, the wild bearded pigs. In a statement here yesterday, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the virus was detected among domestic pigs in Kota Marudu and Pitas as well as wild bearded pigs in Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Beluran and Telupid. “This includes the case of a dead wild bearded pig at a resort in the Kinabatangan district which went viral on social media last week,” he said. Fortunately, he said commercial pig farms in Tawau, Sandakan, Tenom, Papar, Tuaran and Penampang that supply most of Sabah’s pork products are still free of the ASF virus. “We must ensure these areas remain ASF-free so that the pork production for local consumption is not affected. Even though ASF does not infect humans, it is capable of causing great economic damage as well as disrupting the well-being of our society. Therefore, it is crucial for us to control and eliminate this disease,” he said. Kitingan who is also the Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, said the government will declare affected districts as ASF outbreak areas in accordance with the Animal Enactment 2015. This declaration, which would be made by the respective district and municipal administrators, would allow the DVS to carry out effective control measures through the District Disaster Management Committee. Pigs in areas where the ASF virus was found would be destroyed and disposed of and the areas disinfected, starting from the epicentre where the virus was first detected. The Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) will also help to coordinate efforts to control the spread of the ASF virus from the wild bearded pigs to commercial pigs by suspending hunting licences and prohibiting the selling of ‘sinalau bakas’ as previously stated. “We will set up the ASF Disease Crisis Management Committee, chaired by the DVS Director. This committee will include the SWD, security forces, Local Government and Housing Ministry representatives, State Attorney-General Office representatives, and other related agencies. They will help to formulate the necessary policies to control and subsequently eradicate the ASF in Sabah as soon as possible,” said Kitingan. So far, he said a total of 110 pigs from nine villages in the ASF infection zone have been destroyed and disposed of. DVS has carried out its awareness campaigns in 54 out of 182 villages in Pitas. As of Saturday, a total of 347 samples were collected from various districts to detect the presence of the ASF virus throughout Sabah.

Source: The Borneo Post, Sarawak A soldier checks the lorry’s content. KUCHING: Two lorries and smuggled goods worth RM162,480 were seized at an operation in Serikin about 500 metres from the Malaysia-Indonesia border on Monday. According to a spokesman of First Infantry Division in a statement yesterday, the team stopped two lorries heading to the border and when the drivers were interrogated they said they were on their way to the border to send goods “Found inside the first lorry were Peach bum (four boxes worth RM10,680), bamboo shoots (10 boxes worth RM890), Sichuan vegetables (20 boxes worth RM2,000), rock salt (50 cartons worth RM7,000), seedles crystal dates (500 boxes worth RM22,500), red bean curd (50 boxes worth RM2,400), and Chai Tan vegetable (30 boxes worth RM4,950). The second lorry was transporting Milo (250 boxes worth RM25,000), eggs (300 crates worth RM2,100), detergent (100 boxes worth RM5,160), and other goods (100 sacks worth RM15,000). The spokesman also said they detained two men on a motorcycle during a roadblock around 11.20pm of the same day (Monday). “When questioned, they said they were going to Indonesia to send money to their families who were warded at Bengkayang Hospital (in Indonesia). We believe the two suspects are from the same group as the lorry drivers,” he said. The drivers, lorries and goods were later handed over to Bau District police headquarters for their action.

Sumber: Utusan Borneo, Sarawak KUCHING: Rabies meragut satu lagi nyawa pada petang Selasa, menjadikan 24 kematian daripada 25 kes di seluruh Sarawak. Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah berkata mangsa terbaharu ialah seorang lelaki berumur 51 tahun dari Jalan Penrissen di sini. "Beliau disahkan dijangkiti virus rabies melalui ujian makmal yang dilakukan oleh Institut Penyelidikan Perubatan (IMR) pada 4 September 2020. Beliau dimasukkan ke Hospital Umum Sarawak pada 26 Ogos 2020 kerana mengalami sakit belakang menyebabkan kesukaran untuk bergerak selama tiga hari sebelum dimasukkan ke wad," katanya menerusi kenyataan media, hari ini. Menurutnya lagi, mangsa muntah dan diserang sawan sebelum dimasukkan ke hospital.  "Siasatan awal belum dapat mengesahkan sebarang sejarah gigitan anjing atau haiwan lain berlaku padanya. Namun, beliau ada memelihara seekor kucing dan seekor anjing. Anjing peliharaannya ini belum mendapat vaksin anti rabies tetapi juga tidak dilepaskan dari kawasan rumah. Sehingga hari ini, status kedua-dua haiwan ini adalah baik dan tiada perubahan tingkah laku," jelasnya. Dengan perkembangan ini, jumlah kes bagi 2020 ialah tiga dan ketiga-tiga kes telah meninggal dunia.  Rabies diisytiharkan sebagai wabak di Sarawak pada 1 Julai 2017.

Source: The Borneo Post Uggah (fourth right), Manyin (third left) and other guests in a group photo with the aid recipients SERIAN: A total of 182 smallholders in Tebedu constituency have received agriculture and livestock input assistance worth more than RM1.38 million under the state government’s Agriculture Facilitation Fund (AFF) programme this year. The amount comprises RM790,000 for livestock breeding projects and RM591,265 for agriculture projects.  The symbolic presentation took place at Tayung Langui Hall in Kampung Pichin yesterday, which was officiated at by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah. Uggah, who is also Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, said the Sarawak government was allocating RM265 million for the AFF programme this year to assist smallholders in the state. For the programme in Tebedu, he said the assistance was meant for those involved in the breeding of swiftlets, pigs, goats, broiler chickens, broiler ducks, hybrid chickens, layers (hens) and cows, as well as those involved in fish farming, harvesting of kelulut honey, and planting of corn, chillies and Musang King durian. “The agriculture and livestock input assistance is a statewide programme under the Agriculture Facilitation Fund (AFF). This fund is over and above the normal allocation to the Agriculture Department. The priority is precision farming, livestock, Musang King durian and so on. We are using this to improve the income of people in the rural areas,” he told reporters when met after the event. He added that certain mechanism was involved such as the presence of anchor companies to ensure the products and produce are bought, as well as to enhance the role of Area Farmers Organisations to market those produce and products. He also said that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had met with the Sarawak Farmers Organisation new chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail on Tuesday where several matters such as tie-up with Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos) were discussed. “Sarawak is not competing in Malaysia alone. We are competing against Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and other countries. If you look at the pig industry, we have managed to export almost RM70 million worth (of pigs) last year to Singapore. So, we have the competitive advantage such as pigs being free from diseases,” he said, adding Singapore was also ready to import tilapia and midin from Sarawak. Meanwhile, Tebedu assemblyman Dato Sri Michael Manyin said the agriculture and livestock input assistance showed that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is always ready with programmes to assist the people. The Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research, nonetheless, hoped more people in Tebedu particularly native land owners would plant cash crops instead of leaving their land idle and unproductive. “If you go from Serian to Tebedu, or Serian to Mongkos, you will see jungle on both sides of the road. I hope to see this land being planted with commercial crops that can improve your income,” he said. Assistant Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Roland Sagah, Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben, Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, a political secretary to the chief minister Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud and heads of departments were also present.

Source: Utusan Borneo, Sarawak KUCHING: Seorang wanita 34 tahun di Sibu menjadi mangsa korban terbaharu akibat wabak rabies di Sarawak. Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan Malaysia Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah dalam kenyataan hari ini berkata, mangsa meninggal dunia pada 18 Oktober 2020 jam 11.30 pagi dengan diagnosa rabies encephalitis di Hospital Sibu.  "Ini menjadikan jumlah kes rabies dalam kalangan manusia di Sarawak adalah empat orang pada tahun 2020.  Kumulatif kes rabies di Sarawak sejak wabak ini diisytiharkan di negeri ini pada 31 Julai 2017 sehingga 21 Oktober 2020 adalah sebanyak 26 kes," katanya.  Mengulas lanjut korban baharu itu, Dr Noor Hisham berkata, wanita terbabit dimasukkan ke Hospital Sibu pada 12 Oktober 2020 kerana mengalami lemah pada kedua-dua belah kaki sejak lima hari sebelum dimasukkan ke wad. Jelasnya, mangsa telah disahkan dijangkiti virus rabies melalui ujian makmal yang dijalankan oleh Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) pada 19 Oktober 2020.  "Siasatan mendapati kawasan kediamannya berdekatan dengan tapak pelupusan sampah di mana terdapatnya banyak anjing liar yang berkeliaran. Mangsa pernah digigit oleh anjing peliharaannya pada penghujung tahun 2018 namun tidak mendapatkan rawatan di mana-mana fasiliti kesihatan," tambahnya.  Malah, tegasnya, anjing peliharaan tersebut bebas bercampur dengan haiwan lain dan tidak pernah diberi suntikan vaksin anti-rabies. Menurutnya lagi, haiwan ini telah dibunuh orang awam susulan satu lagi kejadian di mana ia telah menggigit seorang lagi individu. Walau bagaimanapun, katanya, tiada sampel dihantar kepada Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sarawak bagi ujian pengesahan jangkitan rabies pada anjing tersebut. "Justeru, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) mengucapkan takziah kepada ahli keluarga mendiang," ujarnya lagi.  Sehubungan itu, beliau menasihati orang awam agar mengambil langkah-langkah pencegahan bagi mengelakkan daripada penyakit rabies seperti cuci bahagian tubuh yang digigit anjing atau haiwan lain menggunakan air mengalir dan sabun selama 15 minit bagi menghilangkan kesan air liur. Selain itu, Dr Noor Hisham berkata, orang awam mendapatkan rawatan segera di klinik kesihatan atau hospital terdekat jika digigit oleh haiwan peliharaan yang agresif atau anjing liar, walaupun semasa negara mengalami pandemik COVID-19.

Source: The Borneo Post Two dogs getting vaccinated at Sg Merah Heritage Walk Point yesterday. SIBU: A total of 2,434 dogs have been vaccinated under the Mass Vaccination Anti-Rabies Programme here. Among them were 534 dogs vaccinated at Taman Rimba Bukit Lima Nature Reserve on July 2 and 3, said Sibu veterinary assistant officer Anthony Janggu. “On July 8 and 9, a total of 215 dogs were vaccinated at Dewan Komuniti Sibujaya,” he said when contacted through WhatsApp yesterday. In addition, on July 15 and 16 a total of 518 dogs were vaccinated at Hui Ning Garden, Upper Lanang, he added. “The free anti-rabies mass vaccination programme continued on July 23 and 24 at Lake Garden Taman Permai from 9.30am to 3pm, with 419 dogs vaccinated. Then, we proceeded to Dewan Suarah Sibu car park on July 28-29, where we vaccinated 676 dogs from 9.30am to 3pm. “This was followed by the vaccination programme at Sg Merah Heritage Walk Point on August 5-6 August, where 72 dogs were vaccinated from 9.30am to 3pm on the first day which was on August 5,” he said. Anthony said they will continue the vaccination programme on August 12-13 at the car park of Unicity in Sg Aup area from 9.30am-3pm. “On August 18-19, it will be held at Hing Hua Memorial Park, Taman Seduan from 9.30am-3pm and then at SMC Library car park on August 26-27 from 9.30am-3pm. The free anti-rabies mass vaccination programme will then proceed to the car park of Swan Square Shopping Centre at Ulu Sg Merah area on Sept 2-3 from 9.30am-3pm,” he added. On Sept 9-10, he added, it will be held at the car park of Kampung Bahagia Jaya Fair Price Minimarket in Teku area from 9.30am-3pm. “Finally on Sept 17-18, the free anti-rabies mass vaccination programme will be held at Taman Satria Shop Lot car parking area from 9.30am-3pm,” he said. Anthony said the vaccination is for dogs aged three months and above. “Besides that, the dogs must be healthy with no fever and pregnant dogs are also not allowed to be vaccinated. All dog owners when they come to get their dog vaccinated must wear face mask and practise physical distancing. Their body temperature will be taken and hand sanitisers will be provided,” he added.

Source: The Borneo Post Sarawak Pet owners getting their dogs vaccinated during a mass free anti-rabies vaccination programme. SERIAN: Rabies is still under control in Sarawak although two new cases were recorded in Sibu last month, says state Department of Veterinary Service director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud. He believed rabies can be fully controlled if every dog in Sarawak is vaccinated. He assured that the mass vaccination exercise would continue to be carried out throughout the state to contain the rabies outbreak. “Our vaccination campaign in ongoing. This year alone we have vaccinated 9,200 dogs and we will continue the vaccination activities because only through administering the vaccine can we contain the rabies. Thus far, we have vaccinated a total of 168,000 dogs out of the estimated population 0f 200,000 in Sarawak,” he told reporters after the presentation of livestock rearing project input here today. Dr Adrain said if possible, they wanted to vaccinate all dogs in Sarawak, and urged dog owners to come forward with their pets. He noted that in terms of samples, they have taken 180 samples this year and out or the total, 69 tested positive for rabies. This, he said, showed that rabid dogs were still in the wild in Sarawak. “We will carry out more mass vaccinations, and next week we will conduct a village-to-village mass vaccination exercise in Serian. We have done it in Lundu, now we are doing it in Bau. We are also in the midst of carrying out vaccination activities in Sibu now,” he said. Dr Adrian also encouraged the public to bring their dogs to any nearby government veterinary service office in the state for their dog to be vaccinated. To date, three dog owners have been fined RM1,000 each for letting their pets roam stray outside. “If possible, neuter your dogs to reduce the dog population. Also, do not pick up stray dogs from the roadside because you don’t know its status, and so it’s dangerous,” he said. He also reminded the public to wash any wounds immediately with soap for 15 minutes if bitten before going to the hospital.He noted that rabies can be prevented if wounds are washed thoroughly and properly upon being bitten, but once symptoms begin to appear, it might be too late.

Source: The Borneo Post, Sarawak SIBU: A 62-year-old man has become the latest victim to succumb to rabies in Sarawak. Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah confirmed in a press statement today that the victim from Sibu died at 7pm on June 23 while receiving intensive care from medical specialists. He said the victim was bitten by a dog who belonged to his relative on his right calf when visiting his relative’s house in Jalan Sentosa Barat here on May 12. “He had washed his wounds with soap for 15 minutes and sought treatment at a health facility. However, he did not return to the facility concerned for an anti-rabies vaccination,” Dr Noor said. He added that the victim started to experience weakness and cramps in the legs on June 12 and on June 19, he was referred to Sibu Hospital for further treatment and was hospitalised on the same day. “The patient died on June 23. He was confirmed to be have been infected with rabies through a laboratory test carried out by the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) on June 25,” said Dr Noor. The number of rabies cases this year stands at two, while the cumulative number of cases in Sarawak since the outbreak was declared in the state on July 2017 currently stands at 24 cases with 23 deaths.

Source: MalayMail Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah says the State Disaster Management Committee has declared 10 areas in Sibu as rabies positive after two children were bitten by rabid dogs. — Picture courtesy of Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) KUCHING, June 13 — The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has declared 10 areas in Sibu as rabies positive after two children were bitten by rabid dogs, its chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said today. He said the areas are Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Lorong Permai Timur, Kampung Bahagia Jaya Teku, Sibujaya, Batu ½ Jalan Oya, Jalan Hua Kiew, Ulu Sungai Merah, Taman Sanhill Barat, Jalan Oya Lama and Jalan Sentosa. “All these areas are within a 10km radius of the two previously declared rabies-infected areas in Sibu,” he said in a statement. A five-year-old girl died on March 26 after she was bitten by a stray dog at Jalan Sentosa on March 6, while a five-year-old boy was bitten by a pet dog at his home at Taman Sanhill Barat on May 25 after which he was admitted to the Sibu Hospital for treatment. Twenty-three people have died after they were bitten by rabid dogs since the rabies outbreak in Sarawak in 2017. A total of 64 areas in Sarawak have been declared as rabies-infected areas since 2017. Uggah warned dog owners that they must keep their dogs under effective control by either confining the pets within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for them to escape or tying them up securely. “The local authorities may seize and impound any dog which is not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by-laws, 2018,” he said. He said owners who let their pets roam freely on the streets are liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 37 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, 1999. He said, in accordance with the Anti-rabies Vaccination Order, all dogs in Sarawak must be vaccinated against rabies. He said any owner or person in charge of a dog who fails without reasonable cause to comply with the Order is deemed to be guilty of an offence, adding that the maximum penalty is RM2,500 under Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO), 1999. “Dogs without evidence of vaccination may be detained or removed under this section,” Uggah, who is also the deputy chief minister, warned. He said since January 1 this year, the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) has vaccinated a total of 7,518 dogs with anti-rabies vaccination. He added 41 per cent of this figure are booster vaccination. “The cumulative number of dogs vaccinated from 2017 until yesterday is 158,322,” Uggah said, adding that the anti-rabies vaccination is ongoing even during this recovery movement control order (RMCO). He added owners can bring their dogs to any DVSS divisional offices to get their free anti-rabies vaccination during office hours. However, he said, they have to adhere to the current standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as social distancing, using hand sanitiser and wearing face masks. For certain areas in Sarawak, he said DVSS will conduct mobile vaccinations at kampungs to reach out to rural areas in Sarawak. He also stressed that it is mandatory for all dogs in rabies-infected areas to get vaccinated against rabies.

Source: The Borneo Post A pet owner calms her two pet dogs as a veterinary officer injects the anti-rabies vaccine in this file photo.  KUCHING: Anti-rabies vaccination for dogs are still available and ongoing in the state even during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) period. In a statement today, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said a total 7,518 dogs in the state had been vaccinated against rabies since Jan 1 this year. Of this figure, 41 per cent of them received booster vaccinations. “It is important for all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies annually. The cumulative number of dogs vaccinated from 2017 until 12 June 2020 is 158,322. Anti-rabies vaccination is ongoing even during the RMCO,” he said. During the RMCO, Uggah said dog owners can bring their dogs to any nearby Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) divisional office to get their free anti-rabies vaccination during office hours. However, they will have to adhere with the current SOP such as social distancing, applying hand sanitisers and using face masks. “For certain areas in Sarawak, DVSS will conduct mobile vaccinations at villages to reach out to the rural areas.” Uggah, who is also deputy chief minister, said to date, 64 areas in Sarawak have been declared as rabies-infected areas, namely in Kuching (7), Sri Aman (5), Sibu (2), Miri (6), Sarikei (5), Kapit (1), Bintulu (4), Samarahan (4), Betong (3), Serian (22) and Mukah (5). He explained that in accordance with the Anti-rabies Vaccination Order, all dogs in Sarawak must be vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccine. “Any owner or person in charge of a dog who fails without reasonable cause to comply with the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order shall be guilty of an offence which carries a fine not exceeding RM250,000 under Section 40, Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO), 1999. Dogs without evidence of vaccination may be detained or removed under this section. Owners who let their dogs roam freely on the streets shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM250,000 under Section 37, VPHO 1999,” he said. He also said dog owners must keep their dogs under effective control either by confining them within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for the dog to escape, or tying it up securely, or leading it by a chain or lead of strong cord or leather properly secured to a collar or harness worn by the dog. “The Local Authority may seize and impound any dogs which are not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by-laws, 2018,” he said. Sarawak has so far recorded 23 rabies positive cases involving humans, of which 22 have died. The latest fatality was a five year old girl in Sibu who died on March 25. On May 29, a dog which bit a five-year-old boy four days earlier at a housing area in Jalan Sanhill Barat, Sibu has tested positive for rabies. The dog died, while the boy had received vaccination and was put under observation. Uggah also said as of today, there are 10 areas in Sibu where dogs tested positive for rabies. The areas are Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Lorong Permai Timur, Kampung Bahagia Jaya Teku, Sibujaya, Batu ½ Jalan Oya, Jalan Hua Kiew, Ulu Sungai Merah, Taman Sanhill Barat, Jalan Oya Lama and Jalan Sentosa. “All these 10 areas are within the 10km radius of the two previously declared rabies-infected areas in Sibu.”

Sumber: Suara Sarawak SIBU: Menteri Muda Kerajaan Tempatan dan Perumahan Dr Annuar Rapaee mahu orang ramai di sini berhati-hati dengan anjing liar yang berkeliaran di jalanan. Katanya, Sibu kini dilanda rabies dan ini satu lagi ancaman yang besar selain pandemik Covid-19. “Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Negeri Sarawak (JPBNS) mengisytiharkan Sibu sebagai salah satu kawasan rabies. Ketika kita berdepan dengan Covid-19, penyakit rabies iaitu sejenis penyakit zoonotic menyerang Sibu,” katanya di sini. Beliau yang juga Menteri Muda Pendidikan, Sains dan Penyelidikan Teknologi memberitahu, sebanyak dua kes rabies di Sibu dengan satu daripadanya melibatkan kematian. “Satu kes meragut nyawa seorang kanak-kanak perempuan berusia lima tahun di Kampung Sentosa pada Mac lalu. Manakala satu kes lagi mencederakan seorang kanak-kanak lelaki enam tahun di Taman Sanhill Barat pada minggu lepas. “Anjing yang mendatangkan kematian dan kecederaan itu telah disahkan positif rabies oleh JPBNS. Dengan dua kes ini, ia sudah cukup menyedarkan semua warga Sibu bahawa bahaya sedang menanti kita,” tegas Adun Nangka itu lagi. Justeru beliau mahu masyarakat setempat melaporkan segera kepada pihak berkuasa tempatan jika ada melihat anjing berkeliaran walaupun ia anjing jiran mereka sendiri. “Apa yang penting elakkan daripada jangkitan anjing. Tanpa gigitan anjing, tiada rabies,” ujarnya. Dr Annuar berkata, sekiranya seseorang itu digigit anjing, luka itu hendaklah dicuci dengan air serta-merta dan mesti ke hospital selepas itu. “Saya mengingatkan mereka yang berbasikal atau berjoging berhati- hati dengan anjing yang berkeliaran ini,” katanya lagi. Menurutnya lagi, beliau memaklumkan Majlis Perbandaran Sibu (MPS) agar memperhebatkan lagi usaha membendung masalah anjing yang berkeliaran di bandar ini. “Kalau anda mempunyai anjing, jangan biarkannya keluar dari rumah anda. Kurungkannya di dalam sangkar atau ikatnya. “Jika anda membiarkan anjing anda berkeliaran keluar dari rumah dan berpotensi dijangkiti rabies, jaga anjing anda baik-baik. “Jangan biarkannya menjadi pembawa virus atau penyebar kepada rabies ini. Bersama-samalah kita membasmi serta membendung masalah rabies di Sibu,” tambahnya lagi.

Sumber: Harian Metro KERAJAAN bersetuju memberi kebenaran kepada klinik veterinar swasta beroperasi dalam tempoh perintah kawalan pergerakan (PKP). Menteri Kanan (Kluster Keselamatan) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob berkata, kebenaran pembukaan klinik veterinar itu dibuat atas permintaan ramai pencinta haiwan yang bimbang haiwan peliharaan mereka sakit tidak dapat dirawat. Justeru, katanya, kerajaan bersetuju membenarkan klinik veterinar ini dibuka tetapi perkhidmatan rawatan ke atas haiwan hendaklah dilakukan berdasarkan temu janji sahaja. "Pemilik haiwan peliharaan perlu menghubungi klinik veterinar berdekatan dengan lokasi yang mereka tinggal untuk mendapatkan tarikh temu janji terlebih dahulu. "Ini bagi mengelak klinik veterinar sesak, selain untuk mengawal pergerakan secara besar-besaran," katanya pada sidang media harian di Putrajaya, hari ini. Mengulas mengenai pengagihan penutup hidung dan mulut percuma Ismail Sabri berkata, seperti diumumkan sebelum ini, kerajaan memperuntukkan 30.7 juta keping untuk orang ramai. "Proses pengagihan ini diuruskan dan diselaraskan oleh Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Negeri dan Daerah melalui 162 pejabat daerah. "Sehingga semalam sebanyak 24.8 juta keping penutup hidung dan mulut atau 81 peratus telah diagihkan, yang mana setiap isi rumah diberi empat keping topeng muka," katanya. Beliau berkata, bekalan penutup hidung dan mulut juga telah dihantar ke Sabah dan Sarawak dan dalam proses pengagihan ke daerah-daerah.

Source: Dayak Daily, by Peter Sibon Dr Adrian Susin Ambud KUCHING: Pet owners have been warned that the councils will take their pets if they are allowed out of their house componds, even during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, as part of its ongoing effort to prevent of rabies in Sarawak. Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said the exercise to control rabies is ongpoing albeit on a small scale during MCO. "All the councils are still doing it. So I hope pet owners will keep their pets within their own house compounds and not let them roam the streets," Dr Adrian told Dayak Daily today. He called those allowing their pets to escaoe from their houses as being irresponsible as rabies has yet to be contained in Sarawak. Commenting on the two rabies cases in Sibu where a five year ld died of disease, Dr Adrian said the Sibu Rural Municipal Council has been doing all the strayh dog removal from that area. Meanwhile, in a press release,  the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services said there was no proof that pets such as cats and dogs could spread COVID-19 to humans. "Pets such as dogs and cats can be infected by COVID-19 from a person who has been positive of the virus," said the statement. It quoted two cases in Hong Kong whereby dogs were infected through their owners who were tested positive with the virus. "The test conducted on the dogs showed the presence of genetic material from the COVID-19. However, the dogs was not showing any clinical signs of disease. And there is no evidence that dogs play a role in the spread of this human disesase or that they become sick," read the statement which quoted the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The OIE assured that it will continue to conduct tests to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19. "The OIE wil continue to provide updates as new information becomes available," it added. The department also advised the people to continue to exercise personal hygiene in handling their pets.

Sumber: Kenyataan Akhbar Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan Malaysia Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) ingin memaklumkan mengenai satu (1) kes baharu disahkan rabies iaitu seorang lelaki berumur 46 tahun dari Kota Padawan, Kuching, Sarawak. Beliau telah disahkan jangkitan rabies melalui ujian makmal yang dibuat oleh Institut Penyelidikan Perubatan (IMR) pada 9 Ogos 2019. Pesakit telah meninggal dunia pada 7 Ogos 2019 jam 2.51 pagi. KKM mengucapkan takziah kepada keluarga mendiang. Kes ini mempunyai sejarah digigit oleh anak anjing peliharaannya di bahagian belakang tapak tangan kanannya pada 15 Jun 2019. Ia berlaku semasa beliau menangkap anjing tersebut yang merayau di luar kawasan rumahnya. Pada hari yang sama juga anak perempuan beliau yang berumur lapan (8) tahun telah digigit oleh anjing tersebut. Anak anjing ini diambil daripada seorang rakan beliau yang tinggal di Kuching pada penghujung bulan Mei 2019 lalu dengan status pelalian rabies anjing tersebut tidak diketahui. Pada hari kejadian, kedua-dua beranak ini telah mencuci luka tersebut selama 15 minit. Kes telah membawa anaknya ke Klinik Kesihatan pada 17 Jun 2019 dan telah dirujuk ke Post Bite Clinic (PBC) di Hospital Umum Sarawak (HUS). Pada keesokan harinya, beliau membawa anaknya ke PBC dan telah diberi dos pertama vaksin rabies. Sepanjang kes membawa anaknya untuk mendapatkan rawatan termasuk lawatan susulan ke klinik bagi melengkapkan pemberian vaksin rabies, beliau tidak pernah memaklumkan kepada mana-mana kakitangan kesihatan bahawa beliau juga telah digigit oleh anjing tersebut. Pada 29 Julai 2019, kes mula mengalami demam, sakit kepala dan rasa lenguh di bahu kanannya. Beliau telah mendapatkan rawatan di dua (2) buah Klinik Kesihatan berbeza pada 31 Julai 2019 dan 2 Ogos 2019 tetapi tidak juga memaklumkan sejarah digigit anjing. Pada 3 Ogos 2019, kes telah mendapatkan rawatan di HUS apabila gejala bertambah teruk dan akhirnya memaklumkan bahawa beliau mempunyai sejarah digigit oleh anjing. Berikutan itu, beliau telah dimasukkan ke Wad Penyakit Berjangkit HUS. Keadaan kes pada masa itu adalah agresif, hydrophobia, aerophobia, demam, sakit kepala dan lemah di bahagian tangan. Keadaan kes bertambah teruk dan disahkan meninggal dunia pada 7 Ogos 2019 jam 2.51 pagi.  Buat masa ini anak perempuan yang telah digigit oleh anjing yang sama berada dalam keadaan sihat dan dalam pemantauan pihak kesihatan. Dengan pengesahan ini, kes disahkan rabies dalam kalangan manusia di Sarawak semenjak pengisytiharan wabak pada 1 Julai 2017 adalah 20 kes; termasuk 19 kematian. Daripada 20 kes tersebut, empat (4) kes berlaku pada tahun 2019. Kes ini merupakan kes keempat mangsa gigitan oleh anjing yang diambil daripada individu lain dengan status vaksinasi rabies haiwan tersebut tidak diketahui. Justeru, KKM ingin sekali lagi memberi penekanan kepada orang ramai khususnya di Sarawak agar TIDAK MENGAMBIL / MEMUNGUT ANJING atau haiwan lain yang tidak diketahui status suntikan vaksin rabies, walaupun ia berada dalam kawasan kejiranan kerana dikhuatiri kemungkinan haiwan tersebut telah dijangkiti virus rabies dan ia sedang dalam tempoh pengeraman sebelum haiwan menunjukkan gejala. KKM juga ingin menegaskan bahawa SELEPAS MENCUCI LUKA GIGITAN dengan sabun dan air yang mengalir sekurang-kurangnya 15 MINIT, mangsa gigitan perlu SEGERA mendapatkan pemeriksaan dan rawatan di klinik atau hospital kerajaan yang berdekatan. Sentiasa elakkan diri daripada digigit oleh anjing atau haiwan liar memandangkan kebanyakan kawasan di Sarawak adalah positif rabies. Risiko jangkitan rabies disebabkan gigitan anjing dan haiwan lain di Sarawak adalah tinggi memandangkan Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Negeri Sarawak pernah melaporkan bahawa 40% daripada anggaran 1,000 ekor anjing di negeri itu yang telah dijalankan ujian rabies ke atasnya adalah positif virus rabies. Ahli keluarga juga digesa untuk memaklumkan kepada doktor atau pihak kesihatan sekiranya terdapat di kalangan ahli keluarga yang digigit haiwan bagi memastikan rawatan sewajarnya segera dapat diberikan. Orang ramai dikehendaki sentiasa mematuhi arahan pihak berkuasa dan memberi kerjasama dalam pelaksanaan Program Kawalan dan Pencegahan Rabies yang dijalankan bagi memastikan langkah-langkah pencegahan dan kawalan jangkitan virus rabies dapat dilaksanakan secara menyeluruh bagi mencapai Sarawak bebas rabies.

Source: Borneo Post, Sarawak Dr. Adrian Susin Ambud SIBU: The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) warns dog owners that stern action would be taken if their pets are allowed to roam freely.  Its director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said that this was clearly stipulated under Section 37 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 and the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing & Control) By-Laws 2018. “DVSS would like to remind that it is an offence under Section 37 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 and the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing & Control) By-Laws 2018 to let dogs roam freely. Upon conviction, an individual can be fined not more than RM5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three months, or both,” he said in a statement today. In this regard, Dr Adrian pointed out that dogs roaming freely, especially in rabies infected areas, would be caught as a preventive measure to curb the disease. Adding on, he stressed that dog owners should ensure that their canines are given the annual anti-rabies vaccination. “Failure to do so can be convicted under Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. A fine not exceeding RM2,500 will be imposed and the dog caught without proof of anti-rabies vaccination can be sent for targeted removal,” Dr Adrian informed.  That aside, he noted under the local authorities’ requirement, every dog needs to be licensed under the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing & Control) By-Laws 2018. Offences can be fined not more than RM5,000. Two dog bite cases were reported here recently, one involving a child who was bitten by a family dog in the Salim-Stabau area here on Thursday and another case involving a five-year-old girl who was attacked and bitten by a stray dog on her face, mouth and eyelids on March 8.  The five-year-old girl had succumbed to rabies on March 26, making this the first rabies case in Sarawak reported this year and the 23rd rabies case in Sarawak since July 31, 2017.

Sumber: Utusan Borneo, Sarawak KUCHING: A new rabies case has been detected in Sarawak involving a five-year-old girl from Sibu, said Ministry of Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.He said this is the first rabies case to be reported this year. “On March 8, the victim was attacked and bitten by a stray dog on her face, mouth and eyelids. However, the bite wounds were not washed with clean water and soap immediately after the incident,” he said in a press statement today. He said the victim was later taken to Sibu Hospital to receive treatment the same day. “She received a shot of anti-tetanus vaccine and Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) as well as two shots of anti-rabies vaccine during her treatment at the hospital.“On March 13, she was discharged in good health and received her third dose of anti-rabies vaccine on March 16,” he said. Dr Noor Hisham said on March 24, the victim was taken to a Community Clinic in Sibu for fever and then to Sibu Hospital the next day due to sore throat, swallowing difficulties and experienced hallucinations. “She was admitted for further treatment. Her condition took a turn for the worse and she passed away the next day due to rabies encephalitis,” he said. He also said a sample, which was taken from the victim, tested positive of rabies by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Medical Lab on March 29. “The stray dog who bit her was reported to have died on March 10 but no sample was taken,” he added. This latest case marks the 23rd rabies case in Sarawak since July 31, 2017. The last case reported in Sarawak was on November 8, 2019.

By New Straits Times - February 14, 2020 @ 4:31pm KUCHING: The Veterinary Services Department has a new strategy to administer anti rabies vaccine to stray dogs. Its director-general Datuk Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizar said it would feed them baits laced with the vaccine. He said this during a courtesy call on Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah at the latter's office, here, today. "This is what we plan to do especially in areas with many stray dogs and areas that are hard to access. We will use it alongside existing strategies in the ongoing anti rabies operation. We are already in the process of buying these vaccine baits and will study the impact of using this method on the dog immunisation process,” he said. He lauded Sarawak for doing a good job in addressing its rabies outbreak, adding his department would continue to support the state to tackle the rabies outbreak. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah presented a memento to Veterinary Services Director-General Datuk Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizar (left) who paid a courtesy call to the former's office at Wisma Bapa. -Pix courtesy of DCM office On boosting the state’s cattle pronunciation, Dr Quaza Nizamuddin described what Sarawak had done as "a step in the right direction and the way to move forward".   “Malaysia is expected to face a serious issue in beef production by 2035. We need to have at least 200,000 heads each year for the next five years to arrest the decline. This should be made a national priority," he stressed.   Currently, he said, Malaysia could only produce 50,000 cattle, but is importing 150,000 metric tons of beef annually. "Hence, my department has proposed three models, especially to the big oil palm companies," he said.   The proposals include setting aside a certain portion of their land as cattle raising areas and to do the breeding themselves; collaboration with those already having the expertise and to rent out land to breeders who can breed in more systematic manners, which will be supervised by the department.  "We are looking at offering them rebate, tax incentive and others to motivate them," he said, adding there were a total of 5.9 million hectares of oil palm nationwide, out of which two million hectares are in Sarawak.

Source: The Borneo Post Uggah (second left) and Dr Abdul Rahman (left) take a closer look at the Australian buffaloes during the feeding time. KUCHING: The Sarawak government wants to take the state’s buffalo breeding industry to a higher level and has identified strategies to propel it. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said these include bringing in breeding stocks from countries like Australia and India. In a statement issued after he recently visited the Maragang Buffalo Breeding Station in Lawas, he said the station currently has 477 head of buffaloes, of which 252 were imported last year from Australia, while the others are local breed. With a developed area of 194 hectares out of the total 488 hectares, this station – managed by Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak – is to produce quality swamp buffaloes for breeding purposes for farmers and also serves as training centre. “Australian breed could grow up to huge size of 800kg, compared to local breed at between 300 and 400kg. We aim to improve our breeding technology including by application of artificial insemination. Of course one of the most important factors is to ensure we have enough feed for them,” he said. Uggah, who is also the Minister of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, said the ministry was also focussing on feed development. He added that processed oil palm fronds have potential, as Sabah has been using the method in its industry. “We have around two million hectares under oil palm, and daily, there are a lot of fronds pruning work. We may be accessible to 100,000 hectares, so, one can imagine the amount of fronds generated. “Furthermore, if we can develop other feed sources from maize, pineapple and other biomass, we can definitely lower the cost for farmers. These would help the farmers greatly as well as motivate more youth into the industry,” he continued. Uggah said there was a need to develop intensive farm models, where a five acre site could be used to breed 30 head. “Our objective is to have 11,000 to 12,000 head by 2030. In the industry heyday in 2000, we had 12,000 head but currently we have 5,000.” Uggah said the government wants to revive the industry to help realise Sarawak’s aim to be a net exporter of food and food products by 2030. There is a lot of demand for buffalo meat in the region,” he added. Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Lawas member of parliament Datuk Henry Sum Agong and Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Gumbang joined Uggah for the visit to the station. Others present were the permanent secretary to Uggah’s ministry Awang Johari Awang Mustapha, DVS Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin and Limbang Resident Limbang Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi.  

Source: The Borneo Post Sarawak A dog is vacinnated by DVS personnel during a previous round of vaccinations in the state. File Photo KUCHING: The Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has achieved its target to vaccinate 70 per cent of the estimated 205,000 dogs across Sarawak during ‘Ops Rabies’ which began on March 1 this year. DVS Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud revealed more than 149,000 dogs or 73 per cent of the estimated total dog population were vaccinated. “However, we will continue to vaccinate (the dogs) until we achieve our mission to be rabies-free by 2025 (in Sarawak),” he said in his speech while officiating at the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) Christmas Charity Bazaar held at Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC) here this morning. He reiterated that continuous public cooperation and support is needed in fighting rabies with the belief that together, rabies in Sarawak can be eradicated. Dr Adrian was representing Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah at the event. On another matter, Dr Adrian asserted that SSPCA recently received a new plot of land to build the state-of-the-art Animal Village to cater to the needs of the animals. However, he added that acquiring the land was just the beginning as funds will have to be raised to build and outfit the facilities. “This is why SSPCA decided to focus its efforts on fundraising in 2020 for the new Animal Village and have set a target of RM5 million to cover the building costs,” he added. He announced that Uggah had agreed to approve RM30,000 for SSPCA in its fund-raising efforts. Meanwhile, the annual Christmas Charity Bazaar taking place at CEWC from 10am to 2pm today saw 61 stalls with various dishes, products, and items for sale in an effort to raise funds for SSPCA. In her opening speech, the society’s president Datin Dona Drury Wee, said the bazaar became one of its biggest fund-raising events and successfully raised a net amount of about RM90,000 yearly from generous sponsors and members of the public. “We are hoping to raise about RM100,000 this year,” she said when met by reporters after the ceremony.