The Rabies virus is responsible for an estimated 55,000 human deaths annually worldwide. At the time of its incursion into Bali the Island had one of the highest dog density populations in the world. Given that the virus is transmitted primarily through dog bites it is understandable that Rabies has had a significant impact on the attitudes of Balinese and their relationship with the Bali Dog.
Prior to Rabies, Bali Dogs lived parallel lives alongside their human companions. More often than not never handled after puppyhood, these independent Bali Dogs lived in packs inhabiting the compounds and the streets of their Banjar homes. They performed vital functions that contributed to the normal rhythm of life. They were companions, and guardians against human and spiritual invaders. Whilst not ‘owned’ in the Western context Bali Dogs most certainly belonged.
“Keeping dogs for the Balinese is just part of the way we are……they have a number of functions but many times people just want dogs around and they feel that life is quiet, or something is missing and not complete if a dog is not there. We are used to having so many dogs around since we were young” (Widyastuti et al, 2015)
In 2008 this relationship, this cultural norm, was shaken to its core. Seemingly overnight a bite from a dog, a not uncommon occurrence, shifted from being an unpleasant and undoubtedly painful experience to a possible death sentence. As humans began to die from this disease so the Bali Dog began to be seen as a threat to be feared and eliminated.
Balinese people found themselves in conflict with their culture, their government, each other and their Dog. Incidents of widespread dog culling were initiated in an attempt to eradicate the dogs as the source of the disease. Balinese people reported anger and sadness at having their dogs killed but were unable to retaliate as the culling was government driven. An equal number of people reported being relieved to have the dogs killed as they were fearful of the disease. (Widyastuti et al, 2015).
Numerous scientific studies have proven that culling does not eradicate rabies. The only effective rabies control is to vaccinate 70% of the dog population. Shortly after the 2008 incursion vaccination campaigns were launched across the island. In these early campaigns many Balinese hid their dogs from the vaccine teams as they feared they would kill them.
In the eight years since Rabies, vaccination campaigns have continued but sadly dogs and humans have continued to die.
There is no doubt that the relationship between the Balinese people and their dog has changed. Today people keep fewer dogs. Dogs now wear collars, something that would not have been seen prior to 2008. A collared dog indicates an owned and vaccinated dog. The government have decreed that dogs be chained and caged. This has resulted in suffering for both dogs and humans, with Balinese people reporting that confining a dog is ‘against the spirit of the Bali Dog’. (Widyastuti et al.)
When visiting a Banjar these days you will still see free roaming Bali Dogs, the vast majority of whom will be wearing the distinctive yellow collar indicating vaccine status. Local dog owners will tell you that their dogs are Rabies vaccinated and will ensure that dogs have collars in order to keep them safe from any culling activities.
There is considerable work still to be done to bring the disease under control. More education programs are needed to ensure that people know what to do in the event of a dog bite from a suspect animal. A study by Widyastuti et al, 2015 has found that only 62% of respondents to a survey believed that washing a wound from a suspect dog bite was necessary due to a widely held belief (pre rabies) that dog licks could heal wounds. This same study makes a valid observation, ‘improving animal management practices without stigmatizing community beliefs on the importance of dogs requires a better understanding of community attitudes and beliefs’.
The human-dog relationship on Bali is multifaceted, and whilst the fear of Rabies is influencing its dynamics this relationship will continue. It is the next generation of Balinese who will adopt community driven drivers of responsibility into their behaviours and attitudes towards their dogs.
When visiting Bali please be aware of the danger of rabies and follow WHO and CDC protocols at all times.
http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/
https://rabiesalliance.org/rabies/what-is-rabies-and-frequently-asked-questions/exposure-prevention-treatment
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs099/en/
Prior to Rabies, Bali Dogs lived parallel lives alongside their human companions. More often than not never handled after puppyhood, these independent Bali Dogs lived in packs inhabiting the compounds and the streets of their Banjar homes. They performed vital functions that contributed to the normal rhythm of life. They were companions, and guardians against human and spiritual invaders. Whilst not ‘owned’ in the Western context Bali Dogs most certainly belonged.
“Keeping dogs for the Balinese is just part of the way we are……they have a number of functions but many times people just want dogs around and they feel that life is quiet, or something is missing and not complete if a dog is not there. We are used to having so many dogs around since we were young” (Widyastuti et al, 2015)
In 2008 this relationship, this cultural norm, was shaken to its core. Seemingly overnight a bite from a dog, a not uncommon occurrence, shifted from being an unpleasant and undoubtedly painful experience to a possible death sentence. As humans began to die from this disease so the Bali Dog began to be seen as a threat to be feared and eliminated.
Balinese people found themselves in conflict with their culture, their government, each other and their Dog. Incidents of widespread dog culling were initiated in an attempt to eradicate the dogs as the source of the disease. Balinese people reported anger and sadness at having their dogs killed but were unable to retaliate as the culling was government driven. An equal number of people reported being relieved to have the dogs killed as they were fearful of the disease. (Widyastuti et al, 2015).
Numerous scientific studies have proven that culling does not eradicate rabies. The only effective rabies control is to vaccinate 70% of the dog population. Shortly after the 2008 incursion vaccination campaigns were launched across the island. In these early campaigns many Balinese hid their dogs from the vaccine teams as they feared they would kill them.
In the eight years since Rabies, vaccination campaigns have continued but sadly dogs and humans have continued to die.
There is no doubt that the relationship between the Balinese people and their dog has changed. Today people keep fewer dogs. Dogs now wear collars, something that would not have been seen prior to 2008. A collared dog indicates an owned and vaccinated dog. The government have decreed that dogs be chained and caged. This has resulted in suffering for both dogs and humans, with Balinese people reporting that confining a dog is ‘against the spirit of the Bali Dog’. (Widyastuti et al.)
When visiting a Banjar these days you will still see free roaming Bali Dogs, the vast majority of whom will be wearing the distinctive yellow collar indicating vaccine status. Local dog owners will tell you that their dogs are Rabies vaccinated and will ensure that dogs have collars in order to keep them safe from any culling activities.
There is considerable work still to be done to bring the disease under control. More education programs are needed to ensure that people know what to do in the event of a dog bite from a suspect animal. A study by Widyastuti et al, 2015 has found that only 62% of respondents to a survey believed that washing a wound from a suspect dog bite was necessary due to a widely held belief (pre rabies) that dog licks could heal wounds. This same study makes a valid observation, ‘improving animal management practices without stigmatizing community beliefs on the importance of dogs requires a better understanding of community attitudes and beliefs’.
The human-dog relationship on Bali is multifaceted, and whilst the fear of Rabies is influencing its dynamics this relationship will continue. It is the next generation of Balinese who will adopt community driven drivers of responsibility into their behaviours and attitudes towards their dogs.
When visiting Bali please be aware of the danger of rabies and follow WHO and CDC protocols at all times.
http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/
https://rabiesalliance.org/rabies/what-is-rabies-and-frequently-asked-questions/exposure-prevention-treatment
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs099/en/