Penang bans entry of cats, dogs from Perak, Sarawak over rabies outbreak fears

BUTTERWORTH — Dogs and cats from Perak and Sarawak will not be allowed to enter Penang following the recent rabies outbreak cases in the two Malaysian states.

The Penang Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin told media that Penang is now on alert to stop the entry of animals from the two affected states.

“Any mammals will be stopped from entering the state with immediate effect. Penang has been rabies-free for the past two years,” he told a press conference at the state VSD headquarters in Bukit Tengah on Wednesday (July 19).

“The Veterinary Services Department (VSD) will set up roadblocks at Penang-Perak borders as a preventive measure.”

He encouraged pet owners to have their pets vaccinated at VSD offices in Bukit Tengah or Jalan Gurdwara in George Town. The vaccination, he said, would only cost RM5 (S$1.59).

He encouraged pet owners to reduce instances of their pets socialising with other animals, and for the public to report sightings of strays to the local councils.

Members of the public are urged to contact the VSD Rabies Operations Room if their animals showed rabies-like symptoms.

VSD statistics show that there are an estimated 10,000 dogs in Penang, with most of them on the mainland.

Penang’s last rabies outbreak saw VSD culling over 2,000 stray dogs in the state. The last reported case was in Balik Pulau on Sept 21, 2015. NEW STRAITS TIMES