Tourists Advised To Be Cautious As Rabies Bite Cases Increase In Bali 

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Bali has seen a rise in the number of rabies-positive dog bites in the last month. As leaders in the province work to vaccinate as many dogs as possible, tourists are being reminded to take the risks of rabies seriously and take important steps to protect themselves while on vacation on the island. 

In Bali’s Jembrana Regency, famous for tourist destinations like Gilimanuk and West Bali National Park, there have been a total of 49 cases of rabies detected between January and the end of May 2025.

Shockingly, this is already very close to the total number of cases detected in all of 2024, which reached 54 cases, only five months into the year.

Speaking to reporters the Acting Head of Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health (Keswan-Kesmavet) at the Jembrana Agriculture and Food Service, Dr Gede Putu Kasthama confirmed that two more cases of rabies were recorded in the regency in the last week of May. 

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Dr Kasthama told reporters “It’s true that there are new cases. The results from BBVet (Veterinary Center) Denpasar, there are two samples that tested positive for rabies.” He confirmed that the two new cases were linked to dogs that attacked local residents in two different locations.

The first was a dog that had attacked 4 residents in Banjar Anyar Kelod, Penyaringan Village, Mendoyo District. The second case involved a pet dog that attacked 5 residents in the Baler Bale Agung Neighborhood, Tegalcangkring Village, Mendoyo District. The dog attacked its owner and his family members.  

Dr Kasthama confirmed that all those impacted by the dog bites have received post exposure vaccinations and are expected to maintain good health. He noted “Each area had more than two people attacked. But they have received services at the nearest health facility because they reported it immediately after the bite.”

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Dr Kasthama told reporters “We appeal to the entire community to increase vigilance. If attacked by [a potentially rabid animal], report it immediately or have it handled at the nearest health facility.” He confirmed that a renewed effort to conduct mass rabies vaccinations in the Jemrbana Regency area will be rolled out soon. 

While Jembrana Regency is typically less visited by tourists, the risk of the disease is widespread, including in more frequently visited tourist hotspots like Gianyar Regency, which is home to world-famous destinations like Ubud. 

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The Head of the Gianyar Regency Agriculture Service, Dr. Nyoman Arya Dharma confirmed that a pet dog attacked a number of family members in Batuan Village after it started showing signs of ‘unusual behavior’ which has since been confirmed to be the onset of rabies virus. 

Dr Dharma revealed that as a result of the positive rabies case the Gianyar Agriculture Service will now follow protocol to help eliminate rabies from the area to keep the public, domestic animals, and wildlife safe. 

He told reporters “With the permission of the Head of the Service and the Head of the Animal Health Division, UPTD Puskeswan III of the Gianyar Agriculture Service will coordinate with the Village Head. The plan is to carry out targeted selective elimination. Residents are ready to bury the dog carcasses. Dogs that have not had contact will be vaccinated.”

He added, “If you want to keep them, dogs must be vaccinated regularly and not released.” 

Tourists traveling to Bali are advised to read up about the risk of rabies and rabies exposure protocol as explained by the World Health Organisation before traveling to rabies-risk areas.

Tourists must ensure that their travel insurance policy includes cover for rabies exposure, or be aware of any specific exemptions or exclusions regarding the disease.

Tourists who have been bitten, scratched, or exposed to the saliva of a potentially rabies-carrying animal, including dogs or monkeys in Bali, should follow the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organisation and seek immediate medical treatment.