Rabies in Bali: A Persistent Threat to Public Health and Tourism

Rabies continues to pose a serious public health concern across the world — and Bali is no exception. Although this island is globally known as one of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations, it has faced periodic challenges in controlling rabies among its animal population.

Since the first outbreak in 2008, Bali has worked continuously to manage and control rabies through mass dog vaccination campaigns, public awareness programs, and cooperation between health and veterinary services. These efforts have significantly reduced the number of human cases, yet sporadic reports of dog bites and suspected rabid animals still occur in various areas.

A Hidden Danger Behind Paradise

Rabies is an acute viral disease that attacks the nervous system and is 100% fatal once symptoms appear. It is estimated that globally, more than 59,000 people die from rabies each year, most of them children in Asia and Africa.
In Bali, dogs — both pets and strays — are deeply integrated into daily Balinese life and culture. However, this close human-animal interaction also increases the risk of transmission if vaccination coverage is not well maintained.

For a destination that welcomes millions of international visitors each year, the threat of rabies is not only a health concern, but also a tourism issue. Travelers who are unaware of the risk may come into close contact with animals during their stay — especially in rural areas, beaches, or temples where stray dogs are common. Ensuring public safety, therefore, is key to maintaining Bali’s image as a safe and healthy tourist destination.

The Role of Dog Vaccination in Protecting Communities and Tourists

In Bali, dogs are more than just pets — they are guardians of family compounds, participants in ceremonies, and symbols of loyalty. Because of this deep cultural connection, controlling rabies requires both community participation and culturally sensitive approaches.

The Balinese government, supported by local and international partners, has carried out mass vaccination programs to achieve at least 70% vaccination coverage — the threshold needed to stop rabies transmission.
When communities actively participate and ensure their dogs are vaccinated, it protects not only local residents but also domestic and international tourists who visit the island.

These vaccination campaigns, combined with responsible dog ownership and proper waste management to limit stray dog populations, are crucial for building a rabies-free Bali.

What To Do in Case of a Dog Bite

Both residents and visitors should know what to do if bitten or scratched by a dog or any animal suspected of having rabies:

1. Immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Visit the nearest health facility for a full course of rabies vaccination (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).
3. Receive rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) if recommended by medical staff, especially for severe bites or for those who have never been vaccinated before.
4. Report the incident to local authorities or community health posts so they can monitor the animal and prevent further cases.

These simple yet critical actions can save lives and stop the spread of the virus.

Raising Awareness Among Locals and Visitors

Public education remains one of the strongest tools in preventing rabies. In Bali, awareness campaigns in schools, villages, and tourist areas help ensure that people understand the risks and know how to act quickly after exposure.

Tourism operators, hotels, and local guides also play an important role in educating travelers — by reminding them to avoid contact with stray animals and seek medical help immediately in case of a bite or scratch.

Simple preventive messages placed in accommodation areas, airports, and tourist attractions can go a long way in promoting both public health and traveler confidence.

Protecting Bali’s Reputation as a Safe Travel Destination

Maintaining a rabies-free status is essential not only for public health but also for sustaining Bali’s tourism economy. Visitors from around the world expect a safe and secure environment, and ensuring that rabies is effectively controlled reflects the island’s strong commitment to health, safety, and sustainable tourism.

By strengthening coordination between the health sector, veterinary services, local communities, and the tourism industry, Bali can continue to move toward the global goal of “Zero Human Deaths from Dog-Mediated Rabies by 2030.”

Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear — but 100% preventable with awareness, vaccination, and quick action.
Together, the people of Bali, local authorities, and visitors can help protect the island’s health, its animals, and its reputation as one of the world’s safest and most beautiful destinations.