Suspected rabies in tourist area of Bali, Indonesia - Update
The Indonesian Minister of Agriculture, Anton Apriyanto has officially declared Bali as rabies infected, marking the first time that Bali has lost its "rabies-free" status. As the island is now considered at risk, there is a temporary ban on the import or export of dogs, cats, monkeys and other animals until further notice.
According to various sources there has been at least one confirmed human death from rabies, while three others are suspected.
Although a large number of dogs - suspected of carrying rabies - have been culled, hundreds of pet dogs have been vaccinated by Yudisthira, the mobile vet clinic, which is working closely with the government. Every animal vaccinated is issued with a collar and card certifying their rabies-free status. The hope is that by acting quickly in the affected areas with vaccinations and public education that the outbreak will be under control within three months.
The Animals in Haiti Need Your Support We urgently need your donation to help IFAW's emergency relief teams on the ground in Haiti. Your donation will help us buy the bandages, vaccines, antibiotics and other supplies for our mobile veterinary clinic.
We have partnered with WSPA to mount a coordinated animal relief response, and our team has deployed into the devastated country.
Your donation will go directly into IFAW's Emergency Relief fund, and will be used immediately and where needed most to help the animal victims of Haiti and our Emergency Relief work around the world.
Best of luck controlling the outbreak!
Fred Smilek is the acting president of the Society to Save Endangered Species. It was founded two years ago by Fred Smilek along with his two best friends Charles and Jonathan. http://www.fredjsmilek.com
Posted by: Fred Smilek | March 11, 2009 at 04:19 PM