Tourists visiting Bali are being warned about a spike in rabies cases, particularly in popular areas such as South Kuta and Mengwi District.
Red zones have been declared in several locations after a number of bites were linked to rabies-positive animals.
The red zones include resort areas such as Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua and Jimbara. Other areas include the Mengwi District, which covers Canggu’s Pererenan Beach and Seseh.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
“The case is at least one or two dogs, no more than five,” acting head of animal health Anak Agung Istri Brahmi Witari said, as reported by The Courier Mail.
“The dominance of the red zone in South Kuta is because the terrain has many bushes, so it is used as a nest by wild dogs, and this is one of the reasons.”
Mass vaccination efforts have been launched immediately, as is the case during an outbreak of rabies. Animal welfare groups are also sterilising and vaccinating dogs in tourist zones, including at Nusa Dua resort.
Recent incidents were recorded at the Bali State Polytechnic Campus in Jimbaran, where the stray dogs were immediately vaccinated.
Witari said authorities “immediately intervened”, adding “we also routinely do mass vaccinations and vaccinations”.
“If the vaccination coverage is below 70 per cent, we will go down again with further vaccination and emergency vaccination,” he said.
Sunrise reporter Georgie Chumbley spoke about the incidents on Tuesday.
“Some really popular tourist hotspots are being affected, particularly in South Kuta, areas such as Nusa Dua as well as Jimbaran Bay plus in Mengwi province. Some beaches in Changgu are also affected,” Chumbley said.
“Infected dogs with rabies, dog bites, is increasing.
“It’s something we’re not familiar within Australia but it’s a huge problem in Bali.
“From January to March this year alone there’ have been 13,000 rabies cases and 25 people have died after being bitten by infected animals.
“So, it is a serious thing and a warning that travellers should heed.”
