Sawahlunto, Warganet – Through its official website, the Sawahlunto City Government announced that it is intensifying its free rabies vaccination program for Rabies-Transmitting Animals (HPR) while addressing misconceptions that still discourage some pet owners from vaccinating their animals.
The information was conveyed by the Head of the Sawahlunto Animal Health Center (UPTD Puskeswan), drh. Meta Levi Kurnia, during an interactive dialogue on Sawahlunto FM on Thursday (July 23, 2026).
According to Meta Levi Kurnia, the vaccination campaign is being carried out in stages across the city’s four districts. The program has already been completed in Silungkang District, while vaccinations were conducted in Saringan Village, Barangin District, on Thursday. The campaign will continue next week in Talawi District before concluding in Lembah Segar District.
She encouraged residents who own rabies-transmitting animals, including dogs, cats, and monkeys, to take advantage of the free vaccination service to protect both their pets and the wider community from rabies.
In 2026, the Sawahlunto Animal Health Center has prepared 1,000 doses of rabies vaccine funded by the West Sumatra Provincial Budget. All doses are expected to be administered by the end of the year.
However, Meta acknowledged that field officers still face challenges, particularly from some hunting dog owners who believe rabies vaccination could reduce their dogs’ aggressiveness during hunting activities.
“This assumption is incorrect. The rabies vaccine does not affect a dog’s hunting instinct or ability. Instead, vaccination protects the animal’s health while reducing the risk of transmitting the rabies virus to humans and other animals,” she emphasized.
The Sawahlunto City Government hopes more residents will participate in the vaccination program so that vaccination coverage targets can be achieved and the city remains free from rabies transmission.
The report was published through the official website of the Sawahlunto City Government.
