Rabid Cat Attacks 11 Residents in Belu, East Nusa Tenggara
A cat infected with rabies bit 11 residents in Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The incident occurred in Manumutin village, Kota Atambua district.
The incident took place on Sunday 15 March 2026. The victims received immediate treatment on the same day after being bitten.
The Head of the Livestock and Fisheries Department of Belu Regency, Yos Sudarso Dami, explained that the incident resulted in 11 people being bitten by the cat.
“All 11 people have been treated, they were handled on the same day. It happened in the evening,” said Yos on Monday 16 March 2026.
Yos added that all victims were treated by the Health Department.
“The bite victims have been given anti-rabies vaccination injections at health centres by the Health Department,” said Yos.
After receiving reports from residents, officers immediately went to the location to catch the cat.
“Subsequently, officers from the Livestock and Fisheries Department of Belu, together with the community, the village head, the district head and the regional disaster management agency went to the location to capture the cat,” he explained.
Rapid Test Results: Positive for Rabies
The cat that attacked residents was then examined at the animal health laboratory of the Belu Livestock and Fisheries Department.
“From the rapid test examination results, it was found that the cat tested positive for rabies,” he stated.
Following the incident, the department conducted community engagement through education and communication regarding the dangers of rabies.
The authorities will also urge the community to report animals such as dogs, cats and monkeys so that officers can carry out vaccinations.
According to him, the cat had an owner, but was suspected of being exposed to rabies suddenly.
“This cat had an owner, but it appears it was suddenly affected by a rabid dog or another bite that caused the cat to become rabid and then bit people,” he continued.
He also urged the community to cage animals that could potentially spread the rabies virus.
“Animals that are seized must be caged temporarily to break the transmission chain as part of the prevention process,” he concluded.