NTT Governor Asks Residents Of Timor Island To Beware Of Rabies Transmission

East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Governor Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat (Photo: Antara)

East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Governor Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat asked residents on Timor Island to be aware of the transmission of rabies following cases of dog bites suspected of being infected with rabies in South Central Timor Regency.

"After reports of rabies cases in South Central Timor Regency and the results of examination of dog brain samples from the area by the Denpasar Veterinary Center show positive rabies, residents in Timor Island to be aware of rabies," he said in Kupang, Friday, quoting Antara.

He stated the importance of increasing surveillance and restrictions on rabies-contagious animal traffic such as dogs on the island of Timor in order to minimize the risk of rabies transmission.

In addition, he said, it is necessary to control it by asking residents to ground or bind pets to prevent the bite of rabies-contagious animals.

The governor asked the district and city governments on Timor Island to carry out anti-rabies (VAR) vaccinations for rabies-contagious animals.

"Regency/city governments should carry out emergency rabies vaccinations on all rabies-contagious animals in case areas," he said.

Viktor also asked the district/city government on Timor Island to intensify counseling on the prevention and control of rabies disease.

"If there is a case of dog bites, they should immediately be reported to health workers and the local Livestock Service for immediate treatment," he said.

According to data from the South Central Timor District Health Office (TTS) on June 1, 2023, cases of dog bites suspected of rabies have occurred in 11 sub-districts, including South Amanatun (56 cases), West Amanuban (3 cases), Central Amanuban (10 cases), Fautmolo (6 cases), and Kie (4 cases).

In addition, there were four cases in Kolbano, two cases each in Kualin and Kuan Fatu, 12 cases in Strongana, seven cases in Nobeba, and one case in Nunkolo.