(12/1/2008)
Following intensive laboratory tests conducted after suspicious 4 deaths of local citizens bitten by stray dogs, Governor Made Mangku Pastika has officially declared the island of Bali as “positive” for the presence of rabies.
Moving swiftly to control the spread of the virus and potential threats to residents and visitors, the Governor has ordered the eradication of all stray street dogs in Bali. At the same time, the governor has issued orders to all port officials to take similar steps against all dogs, monkeys and cats confiscated from people trying to smuggle these animals onto the island.
Citizens Urged to Take Active Role
Eager to eliminate the stray dog population as quickly as possible, governor Pastika has urged pet owners to confine their dogs until they can be tested and declared rabies free and urged local locals residents to take an active role in the extermination of stray dogs roaming Bali’s streets. The governor said: “The people can take the step of killing stray dogs. If we leave this job to be done only by government officials, it's certain that we will be late in resolving this problem.
Pastika has also asked that members of the public who see animals manifesting the symptoms of the disease [See: Interview: Interview with Dr. Dewa MN Dharma DV MSc PhD] contact health authorities.
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