20 Rabies Cases Confirmed in Badung, Kuta Selatan Most at Risk

Rabies cases in Badung Regency, Bali, remain a serious threat. The Badung Agriculture and Food Department (Disperpa) has confirmed 20 rabies cases in dogs since January 2026, with Kuta Selatan district being the most vulnerable. Kuta Selatan has received special attention due to recording the highest number of cases. The dense residential areas and numerous free-roaming dogs make rabies management in the region challenging. ‘There are approximately 20 confirmed rabies cases in dogs, with Kuta Selatan being the most affected area, so we are focusing our efforts there,’ said I Gusti Ngurah Narendra Putra, Head of the Animal Health Section at Disperpa Badung, on Wednesday (27 May 2026). Narendra explained that geographical conditions and high population of free-roaming dogs pose major challenges for field officers. Many pet dogs in the area are unregistered, complicating efforts to control the virus’s spread. ‘The location is complex, with many residents and free-roaming dogs, which creates difficulties in handling the situation. We’ve already conducted vaccinations at dozens of points there (Kutsel),’ he added. To curb rabies spread, the Badung Regency Government has intensified mass vaccination since April 2026. The programme targets all 62 villages and subdistricts in Badung, aiming to vaccinate at least 70% of the estimated 95,000 potential rabies carriers. ‘We are targeting all 62 villages and subdistricts in Badung. With an estimated 95,000 potential carriers, we aim to vaccinate around 75,000, or a minimum 70% coverage,’ Narendra explained. As of now, rabies vaccination coverage in Badung has reached 51.77% and is ongoing. Disperpa aims to complete the mass vaccination programme by June or early July 2026. ‘Rabies vaccination in Badung has reached approximately 51.77% and is still ongoing. We started in April, and it should be completed by early June or July,’ Narendra said. Disperpa confirmed rabies vaccine stocks are sufficient. Badung currently has around 75,000 doses, bolstered by an additional 40,000 doses from the Bali Provincial Government. ‘We have about 75,000 doses at the department, plus 40,000 from the province. That should be sufficient,’ he concluded.