JAKARTA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — Indonesia has intensified anti-rabies vaccination campaigns across several regions following hundreds of reported rabies infections, according to local media.
In Toba regency, North Sumatra province, cases of rabid dog bites have surged, with 519 victims recorded between January and July this year, data from the local health agency showed.
Mangapul Pardede, head of the human resources and immunization division of the Toba Health Office, said his team continued to monitor victims while ensuring vaccine availability.
“Currently, the stock of rabies vaccines is only 178 vials. It is sufficient for August, but we remain vigilant. We worry that the amount will not be enough if cases continue to rise,” Pardede said on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the local agriculture and fisheries agency in Pekanbaru City, Riau province, carried out mass anti-rabies vaccinations for hundreds of pets, including dogs and cats, after several people were attacked by a rabid dog.
“We are working with relevant agencies to conduct rabies vaccinations for pets. Around 321 pets have been vaccinated,” said Rita Setyawati, head of the animal health and veterinary public health section of the agency, on Tuesday.
In West Java’s Purwakarta regency, local authorities have allocated 2,000 doses of rabies vaccine for animals at risk of infection, such as dogs, cats, ferrets, and monkeys. ■