DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Rabies continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Bali entering 2026, with tens of thousands of animal bite cases recorded across the island last year, according to the Bali Provincial Health Office.
Data from the Health Office shows that throughout 2025, Bali recorded 66,760 cases of bites from rabies-transmitting animals, averaging around 180 cases per day. The figures highlight ongoing concerns over rabies transmission, particularly linked to dog ownership practices.
“This remains an issue that requires constant vigilance,” said Acting Head of the Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) Division of the Bali Health Office, I Gusti Ayu Raka Susanti, during a meeting at the agency’s office in Denpasar on Friday (9/1).
She explained that rabies remains difficult to control partly because many residents keep dogs, and a significant number of them allow their animals to roam freely.
“Rabies is still a challenge because dog ownership is common, and many dogs are not properly confined,” Raka said.
Throughout 2025, the Bali Health Office administered 47,887 doses of rabies vaccine (VAR). During the same period, the number of rabies-related deaths increased from seven cases in 2024 to 16 cases in 2025.
According to Raka, fatalities in previous years were often linked to delays in seeking medical treatment.
“On average, those who died in past cases did not immediately visit healthcare facilities after being bitten,” she added.
To address the issue, the Health Office continues to conduct routine public outreach on proper and timely responses to animal bites. Authorities also confirmed that rabies vaccine stocks remain sufficient across both provincial and regency levels.
Bali currently has a total stock of 88,599 rabies vaccine vials for 2026.
“The quantity is more than sufficient at this stage, covering provincial reserves as well as supplies for all regencies and cities,” Raka said.
Officials are urging residents and visitors to seek immediate medical attention after any animal bite and to support responsible pet ownership as part of ongoing rabies prevention efforts.