BALI’S RABIES CRISIS
In 2008, fishermen coming from the island of Flores arrived on the Bukit peninsula in south Bali with a dog unknowingly carrying the rabies virus. The dog soon turned rabid and began infecting other animals and humans.
Without a single rabies vaccine available island-wide, the outbreak quickly engulfed Bali and ended tragically in over 100 human deaths.
Panic ensued and people began to fear dogs, resulting in indiscriminate, painful, and wide-scale culling of dogs including numerous indigenous Bali Heritage Dogs.
An estimated 150,000 dogs were killed in a frantic, misguided attempt to stop the spread of rabies.
BAWA’S RESPONSE
We campaigned vigorously for vaccination and sterilisation over the cruel and ineffective culling.
In 2009, we launched a pilot program in two regions of Bali to prove that free-roaming dogs could be caught, vaccinated, and tagged to reach 70% vaccination coverage of the population and establish herd immunity.
Then in 2010, we signed an MOU with the Governor of Bali allowing us to expand the program island-wide.
THE RESULTS
270,000
DOGS VACCINATED
85%
REDUCTION IN RABIES CASES
75%
FEWER HUMAN FATALITIES
BAWA’s strategy proved extremely effective, and the successful and professional management of bali’s rabies outbreak brought global attention and praise. Upon completion of the first year, the program was handed over to the Bali government and continues to this day.
We remain committed to working alongside the government to control rabies in Bali.
Reaching A Rabies-Free Bali
Eradicating rabies in a community relies on population stability, which requires a holistic approach.
VACCINATION
to reach 70% vaccination coverage of the dog population, establishing herd immunity and reducing rabies transmission
Medical Care
to keep the existing population healthy and alive, protecting the territory from newcomers, and sustaining this level of vaccination
Sterilisation
to prevent new, unvaccinated dogs from being born into the population and losing herd immunity
Education
to enable children and adults alike to understand the rabies virus and how to prevent it in themselves and their animals.
Be a responsible pet owner.
Vaccinate and sterilise your dogs.
Protect yourself and your community.
Donate To Help Eradicate Rabies In Bali
Help us take our impact further and reach more communities around Bali with a one-health approach to rabies eradication.
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