Jakarta’s Governor goes a step further to reduce the risk of rabies exposure

According to news reports the butchering of dogs and cats for human meat consumption will soon be banned in Jakarta. The ban is welcomed by animal rights groups and sits well with the country’s ongoing anti-rabies program. Jakarta is currently mentioned as rabies free, and this ban may reduce the small risk of exposure posed to those involved in the slaughtering process.

It is not suggested that the consumption of meat poses a risk. A report by Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) states at least 9,000 dogs are butchered monthly.  Studies in other countries (Ghana, Nigeria) have shown that 2% of slaughtered dogs are infected with rabies. These studies also show the low level of immunization in the slaughterhouse workers.

Rabies prevention remains a public health priority

Rabies prevention has been a public health focus in Indonesia for several years.  According to a statement on WHO’s World Rabies Day in 2024, rabies was endemic in 26 provinces with Eastern Nusa Tengarra the most affected. 

Indonesia is hoping to end human rabies deaths by 2030.

Rabies - a continuing global threat

Rabies occurs in more than 150 countries worldwide with dogs responsible for more than 99% of human cases.

It is estimated that more than 50,000 people die of rabies annually and many deaths go unreported

Over half the deaths are in children under 15 years.  Children are more likely to be savaged around the head and neck region. The proximity to the central nervous system can mean a shorter period before symptomatic disease. The disease is almost invariably fatal once symptoms occur.

Three or four traveller deaths are reported each year. We reported a case recently, see: Rabies risk when travelling - Don’t delay medical attention after exposure

Vaccination and prompt treatment saves lives

Rabies deaths are preventable. 

Excellent rabies vaccines are available for long term protection and post-exposure prophylaxis is very effective, in the event of an exposure.  

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) an estimated 29 million people receive post exposure prophylaxis for rabies every year.

Simple precautions for travellers

The risk of exposure can be dramatically reduced by just following some simple rules. 

Do not:

• pat dogs
• pick up pussy cats
• feed monkeys

The message is a simple one: 

Do not engage with animals while overseas. 

Managing a possible rabies exposure

If you are unfortunate to have an exposure, seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Prompt management of the wound is also vital. It should be gently cleaned with copious amounts of soapy water before applying a virucidal solution like povidone-iodine. This also helps to reduce the risk of bacterial secondary infection. 

The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides very useful advice on the management of a possible exposure to rabies or lyssavirus. There are 3 categories of exposure. See Post-Exposure Rabies Treatment Guidelines.