Authorities in Bali have increased efforts to contain the spread of rabies with a vaccination and capture campaign targeting its wild and stray animal population, following an horrific attack by one rabid dog on 15 hikers.
The incident occurred on Mount Batukaru, the second-highest peak on the island and one of its wildest areas, where adventure seekers tough enough to brave leech-infested trails are rewarded with temples and panoramic mountain views. But in late September 2025, a group of walkers met a single stray dog that managed to bite several of them on their lower bodies. The animal was later captured and euthanised. Rabies tests on the creature came back positive, meaning all the injured hikers required immediate rabies vaccines.
Regional health agency head, Surya Wira Andi, said: “Most of the victims were bitten on the feet. All of them have received the necessary vaccination, and they will complete the full three-dose regimen within a month.”
Although almost eliminated in some parts of the world, rabies is a zoonotic virus that remains rife in Indonesia, and the problem is reported to have worsened when COVID-19 interrupted vaccination programmes. Litter on hiking trails and offerings left at temples that attract wild and stray animals are also said to be contributing to the issue by attracting creatures into territories shared with each other and humans.
Affecting mammals including dogs, cats, livestock, monkeys, humans, and other species, rabies attacks the central nervous system and brain, causing inflammation. Symptoms include headaches, fever, and eventually hydrophobia (fear of water) and photophobia (fear of light). Once the onset of symptoms is experienced, the disease is usually fatal. However, following up any bite with an immediate anti-rabies vaccine or serum has brought down fatality rates.
Over 34,000 bites from animals suspected to carry rabies were recorded in Bali in the first six months of 2025 alone, resulting in 12 human deaths. Those figures, and the recent attack, have prompted an emergency vaccination drive.
Tabanan Agriculture Agency has confirmed the vaccination of around 500 pet and stray dogs, as well as a rescue and relocation programme to prevent the spread of rabies to the rest of the island’s wildlife. Agency livestock and animal health head, Gede Eka Parta Ariana, told press that the agency is working in collaboration with local non-governmental groups to focus on so-called “red zone” areas, where there is a high alert for rabies transmission.
“At least nine stray dogs around the area have also been rescued and taken to an animal shelter by a team from a local non-governmental organisation working in collaboration with our agency,” he said, speaking to The Jakarta Post.
Anyone who encounters a stray or wild animal while at home or travelling abroad should avoid any contact with it, if at all possible. If a bite or scratch does ensue, it is vital to thoroughly clean and disinfect the wound straight away, alert authorities, and seek prompt medical attention from health workers who can administer vaccines.
