It’s all clear in Sarawak

Samples test negative but authorities will keep eye out for rabies

KUCHING: Sarawak will continue to monitor the rabies situation although the latest animal samples from the state have tested negative for the virus.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said it would take at least two years of observation from July 1 for the state to be declared free from rabies.

“We are monitoring the situation very closely and the Veterinary Services Department continues to test animals in towns along the border to see the extent of the spread.

“The latest samples are all negative but according to the World Health Organisation, it takes two years before a place can be certified rabiesfree,” Uggah told reporters after presenting certificates to graduates at the Sarawak Agriculture Institute yesterday.

On Aug 22, the State Disaster Management Committee reported that nine samples from dogs sent to the Veterinary Research Institute in Ipoh tested negative for rabies.

The samples were taken in Sibu, Sarikei, Lubok Antu and Sri Aman.

Uggah also said an immune belt had been established from Sarikei in central Sarawak to Sri Aman as well as along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border to curb the spread of rabies.

Uggah added that so far, there was no sign that the disease had spread beyond Lachau, about 150km from here.

“All the samples from Betong, Lubok Antu, Sarikei and Sibu are negative, so the belt is from Sarikei downwards,” he said.

Uggah added that the state authorities would continue to work with their Indonesian counterparts to monitor the disease.

“There is an understanding between both sides and no one questions the need to collaborate.

“So, it will go on and we will continue to exchange information,” he said.