Rabies outbreak strikes Indonesian island

DENPASAR, Indonesia, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The governor of Bali says no dogs can enter or leave the Indonesian island until an ongoing rabies outbreak is contained.

During an appearance at a rabies vaccination event in Denpasar, Bali Gov. Made Mangku Pastika officially banned all canine exports and imports during the outbreak, The Jakarta Post reported Saturday.

"We are closing the seaports and airport to any dog trade. This is to prevent rabies transmission off the island," Pastika said.

Since December, several people have died of confirmed rabies cases, including a Badung Regency resident whose death made the outbreak official.

In an attempt to curb the spread of the disease, hundreds of dogs on the island have either been vaccinated or euthanized. Hundreds of residents have also received vaccine inoculations as a precaution.

The Post said Bali, which has a human population of about 3.15 million, is thought to be home to nearly 20,000 dogs.