Fighting rabies in Selangor together

Now with two cases 60km apart, we clearly have a rabies problem to deal with in Selangor.

It is a very serious matter and should not be taken lightly.

The media reports that the Department of Veterinary Services is rounding up strays within a 10km radius of the suspected areas to see if the animals are carrying the disease which is deadly to both dogs and humans is most reassuring to the general public.

In order to confirm this, our veterinarians will have to literally get into the brains of animals to confirm infections after they have been humanely euthanised.

In the meantime, pet owners should keep their dogs (and cats) strictly confined indoors.

This is so that they are not accidentally caught and put down by the authorities.

Being in close contact with rabies-infected strays will also get them infected through bites and the transfer of saliva.

Feeding strays is one of the main ways that rabies spreads.

The availability of food allows infected and non-infected animals to mingle.

Animal welfare NGOs in Selangor should take a lead role in saving these strays by putting them in homes in order to provide proper care and love.

It seems like they have initiated a blackout on rabies when they ought to show the opposite response.

Dogs and cats belong in loving homes with humans, not out in hostile streets.

Some of the calls to hide strays in homes when they see the authorities coming during a rabies operation are extreme. They make the rabies infection containment process more difficult.

The authorities are playing a vital role in making sure Selangor is free from rabies.

NGOs should be going all out with the authorities to educate their members, followers and the public at large about the dangers of rabies and how to avoid getting bitten by an infected dog or cat.

They should also provide information on immediate actions to take if one gets bitten or scratched by a rabid animal.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of MalaysiaNow.