Pacific Briefs

Rabies scare in PNG

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (PIR) — Officials fear that rabies may have spread into Papua New Guinea from neighboring West Papua after the sudden deaths of hundreds of dogs close to the border.

PNG government veterinarian, Dr. Ilagi Puana, said inspectors near the border reported dogs salivating, vomiting, and having eye discharges and nervous problems.

The dogs died in less than a week, he said.

The government warned residents that humans can die of the disease if bitten by dogs infected by rabies.

Palau reefs recovering from El Niño

KOROR, Palau (PIR) — Coral reefs destroyed by El Niño three years ago are slowly being revived, according to the Palau International Coral Reef Center.

The center discovered new live coral in several areas that were bleached during the 1999 El Niño.

At least one-third of the country’s coral reefs were destroyed during the height of the weather phenomenon.

The center said a continuous growth in the population of jellyfish and other marine life indicates the reefs are recovering.

Pacific isles must tap into Australian tuna market

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (PIR) — There are many opportunities in Australia for Pacific island nation suppliers of canned tuna, according to a report by the South Pacific Trade Commission.

The report said the Australian market for tuna is worth almost $1 million a year and is projected to grow.

Island nations should find a good managing agent in Australia and ensure a consistent quality product if they want to gain a greater share of Australia’s canned tuna market, the report recommended.

Melanesian shipping talks set for Honiara

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (PIR) — The Manufacturers Council of Papua New Guinea announced that the Second Melanesian Spearhead Group International Shipping Conference will be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, next month.

The meeting will take place March 8-9, with 50 participants expected from the Melanesian Spearhead Group countries – Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu.

New Caledonia, which has shown interest in formally joining the group, will also attend.

The meeting is aimed at facilitating trade in the Melanesian region and to create proposals for a Free Trade Area among Pacific Island nations.