(1/30/2009)
In the escalating effort to bring Bali's current rabies epidemic under control, governor Pastika has sealed the island's borders for both the import and export of dogs until further notice.
Pastika told the Jakarta Post, "we are closing the seaports and airport to any dog trade. This is to prevent rabies transmission off the island."
Vaccinations programs for humans are now available in Bali following the confirmation of several Rabies related deaths. Meanwhile, a massive free vaccination program is now underway for pet dogs and an extermination program is being conducted on the Island's ferile dog population
Bali's total dog population is estimated at 20,000.
Unhappy with the spread of the disease, Governor Pastika was quoted by Beritabali.com as calling on all pet owners to see that their dogs are vaccinated and to cage their animal to prevent free-roaming through local communities.
The Governor reminded pet owners that they are ultimately responsible for their pets behavior meaning they can be criminally prosecuted if their dog causes harm or death to others.
New Death Reported
On Friday, January 16, 2009, a 32 year-old taxi driver, Thomas Aquino, died at Bali's Sanglah General Hospital, six months after being bitten by a neighbor's dog.
Pending formal test results performed during an autopsy, Aquino's cause of death is being officially listed as resulting from a brain infection. Six months prior to his death, however, the man was bitten by his neighbor's dog with the dog dying just three days after the attack. To date, between 4-6 deaths in Bali are linked to the current Rabies Outbreak.
Related Articles
[Rabies Spreads to South Denpasar]
[Bali Eager to Be Declared Rabies Free]
[Bali Rabies Update: Massive Inoculation Underway]
[Update on Bali's Anti-Rabies Offensive]
[Interview: Dr. Dewa MN Dharma DV MSc PhD]
[Bali No Longer Rabies Free]
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