Rabies Risk Increasing in Popular Bali Coastal Resorts: Tourists and Residents Urged to Exercise Caution
July 17, 2025 — Authorities in Bali are raising alarms over a rise in rabies cases in several key tourist areas, particularly in popular coastal resorts such as South Kuta, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and parts of Mengwi District including Canggu’s Pererenan Beach and Seseh. Visitors and local communities alike are being warned about the escalating threat of rabies infections from dog bites.
South Kuta Declared a Rabies Red Zone
The Badung Agriculture and Food Service has reported an increase in incidents involving dog bites from animals confirmed to be rabies-positive. Anak Agung Istri Brahmi Witari, the Acting Head of Animal Health, disclosed that South Kuta District—home to major tourist hotspots like Tanjung Benoa and Jimbaran—has been designated as a red zone for rabies. Several villages in the Mengwi District have also recorded cases.
Though the number of confirmed bites remains relatively low, with one or two incidents in each affected village, the presence of rabies-positive dogs in popular tourist areas remains a serious concern. Witari explained that the abundance of bushes and undeveloped terrain in South Kuta provides an ideal habitat for wild dogs, contributing to the spread of the disease.
“One or two dogs, no more than five, have tested positive as of July 2025,” Witari said. “The red zone status is primarily due to wild dog nests in these bushy areas.”
Immediate Response and Vaccination Efforts Underway
In response to every reported rabies case, veterinary teams immediately launch mass vaccination campaigns targeting both stray and owned dogs in the area to curb further transmission. Notably, two recent dog bite cases occurred near the Bali State Polytechnic Campus in Jimbaran and along Jalan Pratama. Following these incidents, stray dogs in these locations were vaccinated on July 10, while those bitten were advised to receive rabies treatment at local Health Centers.
Witari emphasized the importance of maintaining vaccination coverage above 70 percent: “If coverage drops below this threshold, additional rounds of mass and emergency vaccinations will be conducted.”
Authorities are collaborating closely with local animal welfare groups to sterilize and vaccinate dogs, particularly within tourist zones such as the ITDC resort area in Nusa Dua. In addition, public education campaigns stress the importance of responsible pet ownership, urging residents not to allow their dogs to roam freely and to ensure yearly rabies vaccinations.
Public Advisory: Stay Calm But Vigilant
The authorities urge pet owners and the wider public to take rabies vaccination seriously, both for their own protection and that of their pets. Dogs should be securely restrained and regularly vaccinated to minimize risks.
Witari called for community cooperation: “We appeal to neighborhood leaders to remind residents not to let their dogs roam freely. Annual vaccination is mandatory for the safety of everyone.”
Tourists are advised to remain alert and informed about rabies risks during their visit to Bali. Exposure to rabies can occur not just from dog bites but also from encounters with monkeys, which are common in sites such as Ubud Monkey Forest and Uluwatu Temple. These locations have dedicated rabies prevention protocols, but any bite, scratch, or contact with saliva must be treated promptly with appropriate post-exposure procedures.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides detailed guidelines on rabies post-exposure treatment, which travelers should familiarize themselves with before visiting Bali.
Staying Safe While Enjoying Bali
While rabies cases are increasing, immediate action and coordinated efforts between government agencies, animal welfare organizations, and the community aim to control the spread. Tourists visiting Bali’s renowned beaches and cultural sites are encouraged to exercise caution around animals and to seek prompt medical attention if bitten or scratched.
By adhering to local advisories and practicing responsible behavior around animals, both residents and visitors can help reduce the impact of rabies on this beloved island destination.
For further information on rabies prevention and response, travelers are advised to consult official health resources and follow updates from Bali’s local health authorities.
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