DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Authorities in Denpasar have intensified rabies prevention efforts after detecting two positive cases in dogs during 2026, while confirming no infections in humans so far.
The Denpasar Agriculture Agency reported that both cases were found in West Denpasar and involved stray dogs. In response, officials are accelerating vaccination programs to contain potential spread.
As of April 2026, rabies vaccination coverage has reached 21.31 percent, with 17,981 dogs vaccinated out of the total population. The city has set a target of 92.65 percent vaccination coverage for the year.
Head of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health at the agency, Ni Made Suparmi, said efforts are being intensified to meet the target.
“Current vaccination coverage is 21.31 percent. We are continuing to accelerate the program to reach the target,” she said on Thursday (April 16).
Authorities are implementing door-to-door vaccination campaigns and working closely with local communities through Rabies Alert Teams (Tisara), which assist in mapping dog populations and monitoring potential risks.
Community members at the neighborhood (banjar) level are also encouraged to report sightings of animals suspected of carrying rabies or incidents of dog bites, supporting ongoing surveillance efforts.
“Through this data collection, we can better understand both owned and stray dog populations, helping to control the spread of rabies,” Suparmi added.
In addition to vaccination, the government is strengthening public awareness campaigns on rabies risks, along with monitoring, surveillance, selective euthanasia, and population control measures.
Officials estimate that around 30 percent of the dog population in Denpasar consists of stray animals, particularly in coastal areas and locations such as Setra Badung.
Denpasar Agriculture Agency Head AA Gde Bayu Brahmasta urged residents not to feed stray dogs in public spaces to reduce the risk of bites.
“We ask the public not to feed dogs in crowded places such as in front of shops. This is important to reduce the risk of dog bites,” he said.
He also highlighted concerns about abandoned pets, noting that some residents still leave puppies in beaches or isolated areas, contributing to the growing stray population.
Authorities are calling for stronger community participation to prevent rabies and aim to restore Denpasar’s zero-rabies status through coordinated efforts.