C. Kalimantan reports 858 rabies cases in 2011

Central Kalimantan has been hit by at least 858 cases of rabies so far this year, an official says, adding that public participation is needed to control the disease.

“Until October this year, at least 858 rabies cases have been reported with one resulting in death. Our laboratory has also confirmed 31 dogs with rabies this year,” Central Kalimantan deputy governor Achmad Diran said Tuesday on the sidelines of the opening of regional meeting on bird flu and rabies.

Last year, 1,118 cases were reported with one death.

Achmad said the case was reported in the province in 1978, and it was alleged to have come from East Kalimantan.

Agriculture Ministry animal healthy division director Fuziatmoko, who also attended the meeting, said all provinces in Kalimantan were prone to the disease.

“We need to work out the best strategy for how to curb the problem with local wisdom to avoid unnecessary problems in the future,” he said.

Fuziatmoko added that the government aimed to make Indonesia rabies-free by 2020.