North Sumatra Governor Targets Rabies-Free Status for Pets
Medan (ANTARA) - The Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, is targeting a rabies-free North Sumatra by supporting vaccination efforts for approximately 80 per cent of pets in the region.
He continued that this effort is bolstered by the management of rabies-transmitting animal (HPR) bite cases, where the standard of care has reached 96 per cent across 30 regencies and cities in North Sumatra.
“Approximately 96 per cent in 30 of the 33 regencies/cities in North Sumatra have exceeded the initial target of around 82 per cent,” said Bobby after receiving the Board of the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association (PDHI) North Sumatra Branch at the North Sumatra Governor’s Office on Tuesday.
The Governor stated that vaccinating pets is crucial to anticipate the spread of rabies. Furthermore, it serves to prevent bites from rabies-transmitting animals, especially as humans live in close proximity to their pets.
The implementation of these vaccinations will focus on tourist areas to ensure that no tourists are bitten by rabies-transmitting animals, which could negatively impact the image of North Sumatra’s tourism.
The Governor expressed his appreciation for the Livestock Service Month and World Rabies Day 2026, initiated by the PDHI alongside the North Sumatra Provincial Agriculture and Food Security Office, in response to animal and public health challenges.
“Through this activity, in addition to breaking a MURI (Museum Rekor Dunia Indonesia) record, we are also encouraging the vaccination of 80 per cent of pets to realise a rabies-free North Sumatra,” said Bobby.
The Chairman of the PDHI North Sumatra Branch, Chalikul Bahri, officially invited Governor Bobby Nasution to attend the peak of the Livestock Service Month and World Rabies Day 2026.
“This event, themed ‘Advanced Livestock, Rabies-Free North Sumatra’, will be held at Astaka Field, Jalan William Iskandar, Deli Serdang, on 26–27 September 2026,” he explained.
According to him, the simultaneous mass vaccination across the province is also aimed at breaking a Museum Rekor Dunia Indonesia (MURI) record.
“Field implementation requires competence, logistical support, and strong cross-sector collaboration,” said Chalikul.
He also noted that the Livestock Service Month and World Rabies Day 2026 would be enlivened by various activities competing for the North Sumatra Governor’s Cup. These include provincial-level cattle, goat, and sheep contests judged on physical performance, health, and genetics.
Additionally, there will be pet contests (dogs and cats), songbird contests, livestock education by influencers, as well as expos and low-cost markets.
“This series of activities is expected to attract around 5,000 direct visitors, consisting of the general public, farmers, pet owners and lovers, bird enthusiast communities, and industry players,” said Chalikul.