Will rabies discourage tourists?

[matsaleh]

Hi Colleen

I havent heard of any recent cases but certainly the earlier ones reported and mentioned here were confined to the Bukit. There were no cases down in Kuta /Legian. Though I have heard that the culling and vaccination programme have extended now beyond the bukit to the tourist areas.

Personally I dont have any concerns and I live very close to the effected area.

This from Jakarta Post of January 9.

During a coordination meeting with city officials, the Bali Veterinary Central Office (BBVet) confirmed the finding of the first rabid dog in Denpasar in the report, bringing the number infected to 11 after nine more dogs in Kuta, Badung, were recently confirmed to carry the deadly disease.

The rabid dog in Denpasar was found in Sesetan; the nine in Kuta were found in the districts of Ungasan, Jimbaran, Kutuh (sic?) and Legian (my emphasis)

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009 ... found.html

[mimpimanis]

Thanks Mats - as I said I had not ready any recent reports. Ungasan (2km frm me) and surrounds, including Jimbaran is where the first cases were. I should have asked my vet, who was here yesterday for any other updates, as she is working with DINAS on the vaccination programme.

[JohnnyCool]

The presence of rabies itself may not be a huge deterrent to tourist numbers. On the other hand, perceptions about the efficacy of Indonesian operatives to contain it properly and the poor reputation of most Balinese medical services, are potential deterrents.

[hinakos]

Rabies wouldnt bother me anywhere else, but the sheer number of dogs here compound the problem. Add to that the few cheeky/sly ones in my neighbourhood that pretend to be your run of the mill lethargic mongrel but insist on the cowardly behind the heel nip as you ride past and they can jump you from behind. They even stake out one particular tight bend where every one has to slow down especially to do this.......
Then add to this the standard of medical care available here and it kinda adds up.