Success of Bali mass dog vaccinations celebrated this World Rabies Day

Bali, Indonesia: This World Rabies day, the decrease in human deaths from rabies is being celebrated as well as Indonesia and Australia’s continued commitment to achieving a rabies-free Bali.

Since the rabies outbreak in 2008, the Australian Government has contributed a total of $1.1 million towards combating this deadly disease in Bali.

These funds are supporting the Government of Indonesia’s mass dog vaccination program, a public awareness campaign, and have helped strengthen the animal disease surveillance and outbreak response system.

“Human deaths from rabies have now dropped by 68 per cent compared to the same period last year, but we want to see this figure fall to zero,” said Mr Brett Farmer, Australia’s Consul General at today’s World Rabies Day event held in Bali.

Following a request for assistance from the Government of Indonesia, Australia purchased dog rabies vaccines, needles and syringes, dog collars and tags for the first mass dog vaccination campaign.

“These mass vaccinations programs are crucial in curtailing the further spread of rabies to humans, dogs and other animals,” said Mr Farmer.

The second mass dog vaccination campaign is underway now until October 2011 and is expected to reach at least 70 per cent of the dog population.

“Without these mass vaccination programs, there’s a chance the epidemic would continue and be much more difficult to manage,” added Mr Farmer.

Australia will continue to support the Government of Indonesia in striving to reduce the impact of emerging infectious diseases, including rabies, on human health and Indonesia’s economic development.

Media enquiries:
Mia Salim, AusAID Indonesia, 08121070237