How about vaccinating cats and other animals, not just dogs!

By Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen

I was informed that there are about 1500 vaccines available for the public today at 7th mile, and it is reserved for dogs only.

Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (left) with owners of dogs at Batu 7

 I have asked Jabatan Vetinar whether there are any plans to extend the vaccination to cats and other animals as well as the virus can be spread by all mammals as well, although majority of the cases are through dogs.

I was also there to speak different members of the public to better understand their worries and their concerns.

Many of them travelled form different parts of Kuching but most of them were from around the Sentosa area.

Many of them are worried as they often walk around areas where they are stray dogs lingering, as well as some of them share how many of their children also have to walk back from school and thus run the risk of encountering possible infected dogs along the way.

Some of the other concerns are that they weren’t properly informed of the schedule of such services and only receive them very last minute either through Facebook or Whatsapp.

The official statement is normally released just the night before and may be a bit last minute to members of the public especially those who need to re-adjust their working schedule.

I thus urge the State Government and Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Negeri to take note of some of the concerns raised by the public.

I also would like to request that they alert the public early on such vaccination services earlier and come up with a proper schedule for the week rather than just announced it the night.

This is so that members of public can know on which day and where will the next session be for the whole week so they can arrange their working schedule.

I also would like to request that the services to be extended till the night time to give opportunity for those who are working in the day to receive such services as well.

We thus urge for more urgency by the State Government on the matter and demand for national mobilisation to help us contain the outbreak.

The current workforce has given their best and I believe they need greater support from the government.

So far 5 lives have been lost, and that is 5 lives too many already. We do not want any more further deaths until this matter is taken more seriously.

I would also like to extend our greatest appreciation towards all doctors, members of the Veterinary Department, RELA and volunteers for tirelessly risking their lives and putting themselves on the front lines to help contain this outbreak. Many of them have been working long hours and through the weekend just to provide the services.

Note: Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen is a special assistant to Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen.