Serang, Banten (ANTARA) - The Banten Provincial Government has maintained a 14-year streak of zero rabies cases through strict surveillance and consistent vaccination, despite high reports of rabies-vector animal bites."Even though we recorded 1,362 bite cases in 2025, we handled them effectively, ensuring our rabies-free status remains intact," Head of the Agriculture Office of Banten Agus M Tauchid said in a statement in Serang, Banten, on Sunday.
He explained that every bite case was handled according to medical and prevention protocols, preventing any of them from developing into positive human infections.
According to Tauchid, Banten has been able to maintain a rabies-free status due to the provincial government’s proactive door-to-door approach, where officers visit pet owners directly to administer vaccinations.
"This effort not only targets pets, but also animal health workers who are at high risk of exposure," he said.
In addition to vaccinations, the Agriculture Office routinely conducts surveillance on rabies-vector animals to detect potential risks early. This measure is considered vital, given the high population of dogs and cats in residential areas.
Baca juga: Tak semua gigitan anjing masuk kasus rabies, kata Kadinkes Mataram
Despite Banten’s rabies-free status, he reminded the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of a rapid response following any animal bite.
"While rabies is a deadly disease, it is 100 percent preventable and treatable if medical treatment is provided immediately," he noted.
Baca juga: Mataram beri layanan vaksin rabies gratis
He urged anyone bitten by a rabies-vector animal to immediately wash the wound with soap under running water and report to the nearest Rabies Center for further medical treatment.
As a primary preventive measure, the Banten Provincial Government also encourages pet owners to ensure their pets receive regular rabies vaccinations, which are available at veterinary clinics and the Animal Hospital managed by the Banten Agriculture Office.
