Vienna/Denpasar, 27 September 2024 – Known for its lush nature, rich and unique culture and a well-developed tourist infrastructure, Bali is a dream destination for visitors across the globe. However, since 2008 the island in the Indian Ocean has been plagued with outbreaks of rabies virus. Since January 2024, the disease has led to 268 positive rabies cases and five human deaths. Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is working closely together with Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) on population surveys, targeted vaccinations for strays and pets, and awareness-raising campaigns for local communities, to protect the animals and people living and travelling to Bali.

Given its vicinity, it is not a surprise that Australians flock to Bali in droves every year; with around 260,000 visiting annually, the little island is officially the most popular holiday spot for Aussies. However, with rabies very much present across several animal species including bats, monkeys and dogs, it is important to be aware of how to safely interact with Bali’s local dog population and take extra care when travelling.

Rabies continues to be a looming threat

Despite the slight decline in dog bite numbers* compared to 2023, rabies continues to be a serious threat, requiring strategic, consistent prevention and measures, including responding to outbreaks should they occur.

“Vaccinations for strays and pets are the most lifesaving and cost-effective measures when tackling rabies. Rabies is 100% preventable through vaccination, and as stray dogs are particularly vulnerable to rabies, it is vital to provide vaccines for them. Unfortunately, culling and killing of dogs is also still happening in Bali, in some areas more than others, despite strong evidence which shows this to be ineffective in managing rabies. This is why FOUR PAWS is working with our local partner, BAWA, to ensure that as many animals receive rabies vaccinations and medical care, to protect the humans and animals who share space in this beautiful region,” says Backhouse.

FOUR PAWS offers easy to follow guidance for tourists on how to react when encountering dogs:

• Do not approach or pet wild and stray animals
• Be mindful of approaching dogs or cats on the street and take care while running, cycling or riding motorcycles
• Avoid areas where dogs or cats are being kept, transported, slaughtered, or sold for the meat trade as these animals are often highly stressed, in poor health, and may bite or scratch if approached.
• If you are approached by one or a pack of dogs turn towards them and slowly walk backwards. Try to make other people aware that you are in need of help. Avoid looking them into the eyes as this may be perceived as a threat by dogs
• In case you are bitten or scratched wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with water and soap and see a doctor as soon as possible to receive vaccinations

Bali dogs: A rich heritage of Balinese history

As a tourist visiting Balinese beaches in Canggu and Kuta, the sight of dog packs peacefully roaming and playing through busy promenades lined with bars and clubs is very common. Bali has a rich free-roaming dog population, mostly descendants of two indigenous dog species; the Bali lowland and the Highland Kintamani breed.

Background

Since its inception in 2007, World Rabies Day is an annual reminder held on 28 September to raise awareness about rabies and its prevention. Rabies is a serious health problem in over 150 countries worldwide that causes tens of thousands of deaths per year. Once the virus infects the central nervous system and symptoms appear, which typically can take up to two to three months, rabies is fatal in 100% of the cases. Together with BAWA, FOUR PAWS has safely vaccinated more than 6,900 dogs since 2019. If you want to know more about our Stray Animal Care (SAC) programs in Bali and Southeast Asia please click on the links.

^{*provided by The Regional Secretary of Bali Province, Dewa Made Indra, at the Asia Pacific Cities Alliance for Health and Development event}