In the village of Batuan, Sukawati district (Gianyar), a dog showing signs of rabies bit five people. The incident caused alarm among local residents.
The dog's owner, Wayan Sarini, noticed that the dog began behaving strangely on May 25: it appeared confused and kept leaving the house. These symptoms were ignored.
On May 27, the first victim, Wayan Sudarshana, was bitten on the thigh. She sought medical help and received a rabies vaccine on June 3 at Kasih Ibu Hospital.
On May 28, the dog bit Wayan Sunarta on the knee when he visited the owner's husband. He was hospitalized in the ICU at Klungkung Hospital. The same day, a farmer resting in a rice field near the house was also bitten. He refused vaccination due to a fear of needles, and he is currently being sought by the police.
On May 29, the dog became particularly aggressive — it even chewed through a glass. It then attacked two children who were in a warung in front of the house. The victims were taken to Payangan Hospital.
The series of bites was reported to the district administration. Gianyar's veterinary and medical services began inspections. Two other dogs that had contact with the infected animal are under observation.
The head of the district agricultural service, Nyoman Arya Dharma, confirmed that the dog was rabies-infected. Authorities have started searching for other potential virus carriers. Animals not in contact with the infected will be vaccinated. The condition of all victims is under doctors' control.
On June 1, residents of the village of Melaya, Jembrana district, were also attacked by a stray dog, presumed rabid. Eight people were bitten.
A black-and-white stray dog suddenly appeared in the village and attacked people. First, it bit a passing motorcyclist, then later in the same day, seven more residents and a cat. The victims were immediately taken to the clinic for medical help and rabies vaccinations. The dog was found, and a sample of its brain was sent for testing. In Jembrana alone, there were 49 bite cases in May.
According to the Bali Provincial Health Department, over 39,000 cases of animal bites suspected of rabies were registered in 2024. About 90% were dog-related. There were 268 confirmed human infections, five of which were fatal.
The veterinary center urged the population to be responsible for the care of domestic animals. Owners must regularly vaccinate dogs against rabies and perform anti-parasitic treatments. Negligence in these matters often leads to tragic outcomes.
Tourists should note that many owners in Bali do not monitor the health of their dogs. It's best to avoid contact with animals. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention immediately.
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