Malaysia’s national news agency today confirmed that peninsular Malaysia was experiencing an outbreak in rabies cases, with Taiping and Bukit Gantang, Perak declared as the affected areas.
Both districts are approximately three hours to the north outside of the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Authorities from the Malaysia’s Veterinary Services issued a statement today in response to claims that several dogs spread across two locations tested positive for the virus, including one family pet. Unfortunately, the family dog tested positive after concerned family members took the canine to be tested at a nearby veterinary clinic after biting two family members. The incident occurred on December 31, in the Taman Sri Kota area of Taiping, and the dog was put down by the family several days later. Tests run by the Ipoh Veterinary Research Institute on the deceased dog’s brain confirmed the disease.
On January 11, samples taken from three stray dogs loitering outside the Tupai Business Center also tested positive for rabies.
As a result, Veterinary Services will be watching and taking samples of stray dogs and cats within a 10 km radius of the affected areas. They will also be vaccinating pet dogs within the affected zones, beginning tomorrow. A record card, and ID collar, will be given to each dog that is inoculated. To the dismay of animal-lovers, a culling of stray dogs withing the same 10 km zone is also in the cards, to be executed immediately. Authorities will be on the look-out for any individuals attempting to remove any animals from the affected area.
Dog and cat owners have been advised to vaccinate their pets, and to avoid stray dogs in the area. Any contact with a stray animal resulting in injury, either bite or scratch, should be washed immediately, and the victim should go immediately to a government clinic for further assistance.
Got it? Over the last year, rabies cases in Malaysia have been limited to areas of Sarawak, with mainland incidents few and far between. Rabies in humans is nearly always fatal, with a slim chance of survival once the virus sets in. If you do survive, you will more than likely be affected by serious brain damage caused by the disease. It’s serious stuff, so if you get bitten or scratched, please seek medical assistance, y’all so you can receive the proper treatment that will probably save your life.
OK — Coconuts KL PSA of the day over.
Reader Interactions