BANGLI, Bali — Two rabies-positive dogs in Bangli were eliminated after biting six residents, triggering heightened rabies control measures by local authorities. Laboratory tests confirmed that the stray dogs were infected with rabies, a fatal zoonotic disease that remains a public health threat in Bali.

Head of the Bangli Agriculture, Food Security, and Fisheries Office, I Wayan Sarma, said the cases were reported in early January 2026 following complaints from residents.

“To date, two dogs in Bangli have been confirmed positive for rabies,” Sarma said on Tuesday (February 3, 2026).

The rabies dogs were roaming freely and attacked residents in Banjar Umanyar, Tamanbali Village, and Banjar Gelagah Linggah, Kintamani District. Both animals were subsequently eliminated by authorities to prevent further transmission.

All six victims who were bitten by the rabies dogs received immediate medical treatment and were hospitalized for further care. According to Sarma, the handling of the victims followed standard rabies post-exposure protocols.

“The victims did not develop rabies because they received prompt and proper treatment,” he said.

Following the confirmation of rabies, authorities also eliminated four additional dogs in Umanyar and several others in Gelagah Linggah. These animals were targeted due to suspected physical contact with the rabies-infected dogs.

“This is targeted elimination to reduce rabies transmission risk, not indiscriminate culling,” Sarma stressed.

In response to the incidents, mass rabies vaccination efforts were intensified in affected areas. Sarma pointed to irresponsible animal ownership as a key factor behind the growing population of stray dogs in Bangli, citing cases where puppies are abandoned in public spaces such as markets, temples, and ravines.

Official data show that Bangli is home to 46,767 dogs, a significant portion of which are strays. Authorities confirmed that rabies vaccine stocks remain sufficient to cover tens of thousands of dogs for the coming months.

Additional prevention measures include dog population control through male castration and female sterilization, aimed at reducing the number of stray animals and long-term rabies risks.