The Agriculture Office of Tabanan Regency, Bali, conducted a mass rabies vaccination campaign in Desa Pujungan, Pupuan District, following a rabid dog attack on 15 hikers at the summit of Mount Batukaru.
The incident occurred on Sunday, 21 September 2025, at around 11.00 WITA when a stray dog attacked multiple hikers. The head of Pujungan Village, I Made Rimayasa, confirmed that 15 individuals sustained bites during the attack. All victims have since received medical treatment at Puskesmas 1 Pupuan.
Laboratory tests conducted on the dog’s brain sample confirmed that the animal was positive for rabies.
Mass Vaccination Operation
In response to the confirmed rabies case, the Agriculture Office initiated emergency vaccinations for dogs in the area. According to Gede Eka Parta Ariana, Head of the Animal Husbandry and Animal Health Division at the Tabanan Agriculture Office, the campaign was conducted on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
A total of 493 dogs were vaccinated in the operation. The campaign primarily targeted household pets, especially dogs living in areas identified as high-risk for rabies transmission.
Desa Pujungan, the vaccination site, is a key access point for hikers heading to Mount Batukaru. Authorities have categorized parts of the area as a red zone following the rabid dog attack.
“A total of 493 dogs have been vaccinated until yesterday,” he said when confirmed on Friday (26/9/2025).
Focus on Containing the Spread
Ariana explained that the vaccination drive was part of a rapid response to prevent further cases of rabies among both animals and humans. By concentrating efforts on pets in the red zone, the Agriculture Office aims to contain the spread of the virus and reduce the risk of additional exposures.
“This mass vaccination step is a common vigilance. The goal is to cut off the potential spread of rabies and protect the community,” he explained.
The emergency vaccination was made possible through close coordination between local authorities and community leaders in Pujungan.
Official Confirmation of Incident
Head of Pujungan Village, I Made Rimayasa, stated that the mass vaccination campaign was a direct result of the attack involving 15 hikers. He confirmed that all individuals bitten by the rabid dog had been attended to by medical staff.
“There were 15 climbers who were bitten,” he said, confirming Monday (22/9/2025).
“They have come to the 1 Pupuan Health Center to get treatment,” he continued.
Rimayasa also underscored that the attack was an isolated incident involving a stray dog and that measures had been taken to protect residents and hikers from further risk.
