Spatiotemporal mapping of canine rabies transmission dynamics in Sarawak, East Malaysia from 2017 to 2023

Canine rabies poses a significant global public health threat, including in Malaysia. Despite this disease's severity, there is a notable research gap concerning the spatial and temporal epidemiology of canine rabies, limiting the development of effective control strategies. This study delves into the spatiotemporal patterns of canine rabies occurrence in Sarawak, East Malaysia, spanning from 2017 to 2023, with the primary goal of offering insights crucial for shaping robust control measures. Utilising surveillance data from the World Animal Health Information System (OIE-WAHIS) and local reports, we employed descriptive statistics to analyse the data. Spatial heat maps were generated to pinpoint rabies hotspots and examine their association with potential transmission predictors. Findings unveiled an overall positivity rate of 28.34%, predominantly affecting dogs. District-specific variations emerged, and spatial risk maps successfully identified hotspots. Predictive factors, including dog versus human population and households, exhibited strong positive correlations with rabies occurrences. High-risk regions displayed associations with human population density and major road networks. This investigation contributes valuable insights that enhance our comprehension of canine rabies transmission dynamics, thereby guiding effective control strategies. The knowledge gained holds the potential to aid in eliminating canine rabies in Sarawak and other regions in east Malaysia.