The rabies outbreak that began in 2008 caused many deaths...of friends, neighbors, children, parents, family members. As a result, the people of Bali have become afraid and outraged. Their solution was to undergo massive culling of the dogs. They tried to eliminate the dog population by the use bullets and poisons.
BAWA quickly went into action in order to educate people about the rabies virus (rhabdovirus) and help control the outbreak in a more humane way. This was done by trapping, vaccinating, sterilizing, and releasing dogs in order to control the prevalence of rabies on the island. BAWA education teams would drive to villages providing information that would hopefully tone down fear and increase overall wellness for the dogs.
So far, they have vaccinated hundreds and thousands of dogs which has decreased the prevalence of rabies significantly. The last human death was in December, and the amount of rabies cases seen at BAWA has decreased Volunteers and donations, however, are constantly needed to rehabilitate, educate, and vaccinate Bali dogs. Puppies are put up for adoption and adults are brought back to their Bali habitat.
Another goal of BAWA is population control. An ambulance with a veterinarian and technician drive around the island to sterilize (spay/neuter) and care of the local Bali dogs.
BAWA's other huge mission is to educate people about animal welfare and about their dogs' health. This is to encourage population control and prevent animal abuse. They are taught that not all dogs have rabies. The WARRIOR dog...is the one that wears the red collar (vaccinated)...protecting their home from other strange dogs. That is is important to keep the dog population for means of protection..to warn families of intruders. By communicating the message it in this manner, it is easier for the Bali people to understand.
Meghan doing a physical exam on a queen and her kittens.
BAWA is not only for dogs, but other creatures in need of care. Especially with the cat population where panleukopenia virus is a problem. Cats and kittens are vaccinated and are also spayed/neutered. Occassionally BAWA rehabiliates monkeys and horses. Every creature great and small are welcome!
Another goal of BAWA is population control. An ambulance with a veterinarian and technician drive around the island to sterilize (spay/neuter) and care of the local Bali dogs.
BAWA's other huge mission is to educate people about animal welfare and about their dogs' health. This is to encourage population control and prevent animal abuse. They are taught that not all dogs have rabies. The WARRIOR dog...is the one that wears the red collar (vaccinated)...protecting their home from other strange dogs. That is is important to keep the dog population for means of protection..to warn families of intruders. By communicating the message it in this manner, it is easier for the Bali people to understand.
Meghan doing a physical exam on a queen and her kittens.
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