Sumbawa Struggles to Exit Rabies Outbreak Status

Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), is still facing major challenges in revoking the extraordinary outbreak (KLB) status for rabies. The situation is driven by several crucial factors, ranging from a high population of rabies-transmitting animals (HPR) to vaccination coverage that has yet to reach the ideal target required to create herd immunity.

One of the main obstacles in handling rabies in Sumbawa is the vastness of the region and its large dog population, particularly stray or un tethered dogs. According to collected data, the local government, through its relevant agencies, continues to carry out elimination and mass vaccination efforts, but the high mobility of HPR across regions frequently triggers new cases in zones previously considered safe.

To exit KLB status, a region ideally needs to achieve vaccination coverage of at least 70% of the total HPR population. However, limited vaccine stocks and access to remote areas remain technical obstacles that the Sumbawa Regency Government and the NTB Provincial Government continue to work to resolve.

The prolonged KLB status has heightened public vigilance. HPR bite cases continue to be reported in several districts, requiring the continued provision of anti-rabies vaccine (VAR) and anti-rabies serum (SAR) at health facilities.

The local government continues to encourage active community participation in reporting every bite case and bringing their pets to vaccination posts. In addition, regulations on inter-island animal traffic are being tightened to prevent the rabies virus from entering from outside the region.

Collaborative efforts between the government, animal welfare communities and the general public are the key for Sumbawa to soon downgrade its KLB status and return to being a rabies-free region.