Rabies incursion into Bali, Indonesia in 2008

Abstract

Canine and human rabies cases were confirmed in Bali in late November 2008, following several months of reported outbreaks of unusual dog biting episodes and several human deaths, with clinical signs consistent with rabies. Bali had been historically free of rabies, although the disease is endemic in many other parts of Indonesia. This incursion provides a unique case study into the local spread of rabies in a naive population with no prior public awareness of the disease and the possibility of eradicating rabies from Bali before it becomes endemic. Careful study of the risk factors which were present at the time of incursion should help both Indonesia and Australia anticipate, prepare for and hopefully prevent further incursions elsewhere.