ORV To Determine Expansion Of Sarawak’s Rabies Control Strategy
KUCHING: The effectiveness of the Oral Rabies Vaccine (ORV) pilot project in high-risk areas around Kuching will be a key determinant in expanding the approach across Sarawak.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said the initiative was introduced as a more practical alternative to address the limitations of conventional vaccination, which faces various challenges on the ground.
“The injection method faces many constraints, including difficulties in handling dogs and owners being unable to bring their animals to vaccination centres.
“That is why we see ORV as a more practical alternative with the potential to increase vaccination coverage,” he said when met by the media after the event at Dewan Perpaduan, RPR Phase 1 Batu Kawa, on Saturday.
He added that areas such as Batu Kawa were selected as initial implementation sites due to their higher risk of infection.
“If this pilot project shows positive results, we will expand its implementation to other divisions in Sarawak, but it is not an easy task,” he explained.
Meanwhile, he stressed that the success of the approach would largely depend on public awareness and the cooperation of all parties.
“The role of the media is crucial in disseminating information so that the public understands the real risks and acts promptly in the event of a bite,” he said.
He also noted that an integrated approach involving government agencies, local authorities and NGOs would continue to be strengthened to ensure more effective implementation on the ground.
In addition, the need for accurate data, including animal populations, ownership, and bite cases, was emphasised to reinforce strategic planning.
The use of technology such as microchipping is also being expanded to improve monitoring and the systematic management of pets.
This innovation-data-and community-driven approach is seen as a catalyst for Sarawak’s long-term strategy to curb rabies more effectively and sustainably. -UKASnews
