Bali News / Bali Travel and Holiday Updates

The central government has delivered massive amount of rabies vaccine supply to Bali in response to reported rabies infection in the island. 20,000 doses of rabies vaccine has just arrived in Bali. The central government has also supplied three kilograms terminal poison of Strychinin – an equivalent to 12,000 dose of animal elimination including injection equipment.
Press release issued by the central government stated that the delivery is just the first step of an integrated program to eliminate rabies threat in Bali. To accelerate operation the government has engaged a cooperation with the Indonesian Association of Veterinerians (PDHI), pet foundations in Bali, as well as universities including the Faculty of Veterinary of Udayana University.

It is reported that rabies has spreaded in eight villages in southern Kuta especially affecting dogs. The conclusing was based on identified clynical symptoms both to dogs as carrying agents as well as humans. It is also as a follow up on result of laboratory test conducted by Veterinary Institute of Denpasar which has been confirmed by Veterinary Institute of Maros  on November 28th 2008 which concluded rabies infection to a villagers of Ungasan, Kedonganan, and Jimbaran.

So far the government is taking intensive efforts to both eliminate and prevent further spread including mass faccination to pets especially dogs. Additionally the government is also registering population of dogs and their owners as well as conducting socialization to the people. Wild dogs will be eliminated by poisonous injection.

The government refused an opinion that Bali is now in extreme situation. Bali has previously declared as rabies-free area, however the latest cases has waived the status. Rabies is suspected to be carried in by local fishermen bitten by dogs when their land in outer islands.