Aussie travellers warned to be vigilant as deadly disease causes alarm in Bali
Authorities believe the disease has been spread by several rabid dogs in tourist-heavy areas, such as South Kuta and parts of the Mengwi District, including tourist favourites like Canggu's Pererenan Beach and Seseh, and red zones have been declared following a number of dog bite incidents.
Australian vet Will Maginness works closely with Bali-based rescue organisation Mission Paws'ible. He told Yahoo News tourists should "definitely be vigilant around stray animals" since the hotspots are "where many Australians travel". However, the ongoing situation doesn't mean Aussies should avoid travelling to Bali completely.
"Just keep your distance from all street dogs, and be aware that it currently is there, at the hotspots, and to be safe. But I wouldn't avoid travelling to Bali," he told Yahoo.
Balinese authorities believe up to five dogs have caused spread
Anak Agung Brahmi Witari, Acting Head of Animal Health, told local reporters the location of the cases has likely exacerbated the issue as South Kuta has many bushes used "as a nest by wild dogs".
"The case is at least one or two dogs, no more than five," he said.
Mass vaccination efforts launched immediately, and authorities are reportedly working with local animal welfare organisations to sterilise and vaccinate dogs in tourist hotspots..
"Vaccination is protection for us and pets," Witari said.
From January to March alone, there's reportedly been 13,000 rabies cases and 25 people have died in Bali after being bitten by the infected animals, 7News reported this week.
While dogs are usually the main threat of rabies in Bali, other animals, such as monkeys, also pose a risk. This was the case for Aussie traveller Jami Groves, who forked out $6,000 for rabies shots after a monkey bit her last year at Monkey Forest in Ubud.
Advice for travellers to protect against rabies virus
Maginness allayed concerns that the recent spike in rabid dogs in Bali could be a threat to canines here in Australia. He urged travellers to worry about their own health first and foremost, and said there was no risk for pets.
"The rabies virus is spread through saliva, and it needs an open wound to be able to transmit to humans or dogs. We're very fortunate here in Australia that, to this point, rabies does not exist, so our dogs are safe. We are very blessed," he said.
🤫 Aussies forced to remain indoors as Bali comes to 'standstill'
👀 1.5 million travellers warned of hidden health risk in Bali
🦇 Australian man dies from 'extremely rare' bat bite virus
The best way for travellers to safeguard themselves against rabies is to get the vaccination prior to travel, and to seek medical attention immediately after being bitten by a potentially rabid dog.
Those heading to the country are advised to familiarise themselves with post-exposure protocols, which can be found here.
The virus is 100 per cent fatal once symptoms are present, however death is preventable with prompt post-exposure prophylaxis, which stops it from reaching the central nervous system.
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