# Rabies in dogs and cats: signs and prevention

> Rabies is a viral brain infection that is almost always fatal once signs appear. Vaccinating dogs and cats prevents it; 26 provinces are still endemic.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/pet-health/rabies-in-dogs-and-cats/ · Updated 25 September 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/kesehatan-hewan/rabies-anjing-kucing/
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**Review status:** Compiled from the listed veterinary and health organisations’ guidance; not yet reviewed by a veterinarian.

**Caution:** General information for owners, not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian. If your animal seems very unwell, in pain, struggling to breathe or may have been poisoned, contact a vet immediately.

## Key points

- Rabies spreads through the saliva of infected animals, mainly by bites, and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
- In Indonesia, about 98% of rabies cases are spread by dog bites and the rest by cats and monkeys, according to Kemenkes.
- According to Kemenkes (2025), 26 of Indonesia's 38 provinces are rabies-endemic and 12 are rabies-free.
- Vaccinating at least 70% of dogs in at-risk areas can reduce human rabies cases to zero, according to WOAH.
- If someone is bitten, seek medical care at a health facility immediately and report the biting animal to the local animal health office or puskeswan.

## When should you see a vet?

- Keep away from the animal and immediately contact a vet and the local animal health office or puskeswan if a dog or cat suddenly changes behaviour (becoming aggressive or withdrawn), bites for no reason, drools excessively, has trouble swallowing or starts to become paralysed.
- Your pet has been bitten or scratched by a dog, cat or wild animal of unknown vaccination status, especially in an endemic area.
- Your pet has bitten a person: that person must go to a health facility immediately, and the animal should be reported to the animal health office or puskeswan for observation.
- Your dog or cat has never been vaccinated against rabies, or its rabies booster is overdue.
- A newly adopted puppy or kitten whose vaccination history is unknown.

## What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and can pass from animals to people (a zoonosis). The virus can infect mammals, including dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife. According to WHO, once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal. WOAH confirms that the same is true in animals and in people. The good news is that rabies is preventable with vaccines, so vaccinating pets is one of the most important ways to protect a family.

The incubation period, the time from infection to the first symptoms, can be long and variable. In people, WHO says it is typically 2–3 months but can range from one week to one year. In dogs, most cases appear 21–80 days after exposure, according to the MSD Veterinary Manual. Infected dogs and cats can shed the virus in their saliva up to 10 days before signs appear. This means an animal that still looks healthy can already pass on the virus during that time.

Evidence: [WHO — Rabies fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies) · [WOAH — Rabies](https://www.woah.org/en/disease/rabies/) · [MSD Veterinary Manual — Rabies in animals](https://www.msdvetmanual.com/nervous-system/rabies/rabies-in-animals)

## How does rabies spread?

Rabies spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through bites, scratches, or saliva contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth) or open wounds. WHO reports that dogs are responsible for up to 99% of human rabies cases worldwide. In Indonesia, Kemenkes says about 98% of rabies cases are spread by dog bites and 2% by cats and monkeys. Dogs, cats and monkeys are therefore called rabies-transmitting animals (HPR) and are the main targets of mass rabies vaccination.

Cats can also transmit rabies. The MSD Veterinary Manual notes that the virus is present in the saliva of infected cats, and people have developed rabies after being bitten by cats. According to WHO, bites from rodents are not known to transmit rabies, while spread through raw meat, milk or the air is extremely rare. Human-to-human spread is theoretically possible but has never been confirmed. In Indonesia, dogs remain the main source, so vaccinating dogs is the key to prevention.

Evidence: [WHO — Rabies fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies) · [Kemenkes — 8 dari 34 Provinsi di Indonesia Bebas Rabies (2020)](https://kemkes.go.id/id/8-34-provinsi-indonesia-bebas-rabies) · [Dinas Pertanian dan Ketahanan Pangan Provinsi Bali — Vaksinasi Rabies Massal 2025 pada Hewan Penular Rabies (HPR)](https://distanpangan.baliprov.go.id/vaksinasi-rabies-massal-2025-pada-hewan-penular-rabies-hpr/) · [MSD Veterinary Manual — Rabies in animals](https://www.msdvetmanual.com/nervous-system/rabies/rabies-in-animals)

## What are the signs of rabies in dogs and cats?

The most reliable signs are a sudden change in behaviour and paralysis that keeps getting worse without an obvious cause, according to the MSD Veterinary Manual. Early signs can be vague, such as lethargy, fever, vomiting and loss of appetite. According to WOAH, within days the animal may lose coordination, become weak or paralysed, have difficulty breathing and swallowing, drool excessively, behave abnormally and become aggressive. A normally gentle animal may suddenly turn vicious, or instead become withdrawn.

In the "furious" form, the animal is irritable, bites with little provocation, loses its fear and roams widely. Rabid cats can attack suddenly, biting and scratching. IPB University also notes that infected animals may seem withdrawn and lethargic rather than aggressive, with excessive drooling. These signs can look like other diseases, and WOAH stresses that rabies can only be confirmed by laboratory testing. Keep yourself and children away from a suspected animal, and contact animal health officers straight away.

Evidence: [MSD Veterinary Manual — Rabies in animals](https://www.msdvetmanual.com/nervous-system/rabies/rabies-in-animals) · [WOAH — Rabies](https://www.woah.org/en/disease/rabies/) · [IPB University (Unit Kesehatan) — Hari Rabies Sedunia](https://unitkesehatan.ipb.ac.id/hari-rabies-sedunia/) · [Dinas Pertanian Kota Denpasar — Dinas Pertanian Bentuk UPT Pusat Pelayanan Kesehatan Hewan](https://www.pertanian.denpasarkota.go.id/berita/dinas-pertanian-bentuk-upt-pusat-pelayanan-kesehatan-hewan)

## Which Indonesian provinces are free of rabies?

According to Kemenkes circular No. HK.02.02/C/508/2025, 12 of Indonesia's 38 provinces are rabies-free and the other 26 are endemic. The rabies-free provinces are DKI Jakarta, Central Java, East Java, DI Yogyakarta, Riau Islands, Bangka Belitung Islands, Papua, West Papua, Southwest Papua, Central Papua, Highland Papua and South Papua. The Ministry of Agriculture says East Java has not recorded a single rabies case since 1996. Status can change, so check the latest information from your local authorities.

Rabies remains a public health problem. Kemenkes reported 185,359 bites by rabies-transmitting animals and 122 human rabies deaths in 2024, and 25 deaths from January to 7 March 2025. IPB University notes that East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is among the worst affected provinces, with 19,320 bite cases and 35 deaths in 2023. Rabies-free provinces still need to stay alert. The Yogyakarta City agriculture and food office warns that animals moving in from endemic provinces on the same island could bring rabies back.

Evidence: [Kemenkes — Surat Edaran HK.02.02/C/508/2025 tentang Kewaspadaan terhadap Kasus Rabies (PDF)](https://www.kemkes.go.id/app_asset/file_content_download/174239565067dad9023342a5.65970066.pdf) · [Kemenkes — Surat Edaran Kewaspadaan terhadap Kasus Rabies di Indonesia](https://www.kemkes.go.id/id/surat-edaran-kewaspadaan-terhadap-kasus-rabies-di-indonesia) · [Ditjen PKH Kementan (BVet Subang) — Gencar Vaksinasi Hewan Tertular, Indonesia Siap Bebas Rabies di Tahun 2030](https://bvetsubang.ditjenpkh.pertanian.go.id/berita/gencar-vaksinasi-hewan-tertular-indonesia-siap-bebas-rabies-di-tahun-2030) · [IPB University (Unit Kesehatan) — Hari Rabies Sedunia](https://unitkesehatan.ipb.ac.id/hari-rabies-sedunia/) · [Dinas Pertanian dan Pangan Kota Yogyakarta — Respon Cepat Penanganan Kasus Gigitan Hewan Pembawa Rabies](https://pertanian.jogjakota.go.id/detail/index/15300)

## Why does vaccinating dogs prevent rabies in people?

Because almost all human rabies cases come from dogs, vaccinating dogs cuts transmission at its source. WHO calls mass dog vaccination, including puppies, the most cost-effective strategy for preventing rabies in people. According to WOAH, vaccinating at least 70% of dogs in at-risk areas can reduce human cases to zero. The Ministry of Agriculture also names vaccination of rabies-transmitting animals, especially dogs and cats, as the key to preventing rabies in Indonesia.

In 2015 the world set a goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, known as "Zero by 30". The global strategic plan was drawn up jointly by WHO, WOAH, FAO and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control. Indonesia is also aiming to be rabies-free by 2030. WHO stresses that culling free-roaming dogs is not effective in controlling rabies. What works is dog vaccination, access to care after bites, and public education on bite prevention.

Evidence: [WHO — Rabies fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies) · [WHO — Zero by 30: the global strategic plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241513838) · [WOAH — Rabies](https://www.woah.org/en/disease/rabies/) · [Ditjen PKH Kementan (BVet Subang) — Gencar Vaksinasi Hewan Tertular, Indonesia Siap Bebas Rabies di Tahun 2030](https://bvetsubang.ditjenpkh.pertanian.go.id/berita/gencar-vaksinasi-hewan-tertular-indonesia-siap-bebas-rabies-di-tahun-2030) · [IPB University (Unit Kesehatan) — Hari Rabies Sedunia](https://unitkesehatan.ipb.ac.id/hari-rabies-sedunia/)

## What should dog and cat owners do?

The most important step is to vaccinate your dogs and cats against rabies and keep them up to date, especially if you live in an endemic province. WSAVA recommends that all dogs and cats in endemic areas are vaccinated against rabies even where the law does not require it. Use mass vaccination campaigns or services at the puskeswan and local offices; in Bali, rabies vaccination for HPR is free. Keep the vaccination card, because Kemenkes says an animal's vaccination status is one factor officers consider if it bites someone.

Do not let dogs roam unsupervised in public places. Bali's Perda No. 5 of 2023 prohibits releasing pets in public places without the owner's supervision, and Kementan is encouraging rules on confining and tethering dogs in Bali. Never abandon dogs or cats on the street, because stray dogs can become a main source of rabies spread. Sterilisation also helps control populations of rabies-transmitting animals. If you see an animal with signs of rabies, report it immediately to the local animal health office or puskeswan.

Evidence: [WSAVA — 2024 guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats (full text, Journal of Small Animal Practice)](https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WSAVA-Vaccination-guidelines-2024.pdf) · [Dinas Pertanian dan Ketahanan Pangan Provinsi Bali — Vaksinasi Rabies Massal 2025 pada Hewan Penular Rabies (HPR)](https://distanpangan.baliprov.go.id/vaksinasi-rabies-massal-2025-pada-hewan-penular-rabies-hpr/) · [Kemenkes — Surat Edaran HK.02.02/C/508/2025 tentang Kewaspadaan terhadap Kasus Rabies (PDF)](https://www.kemkes.go.id/app_asset/file_content_download/174239565067dad9023342a5.65970066.pdf) · [Ditjen PKH Kementan (BPMSPH) — Kementan Pacu Bali Bebas Rabies: Vaksinasi dan Edukasi Diperkuat](https://bpmsph.ditjenpkh.pertanian.go.id/berita/kementan-pacu-bali-bebas-rabies-vaksinasi-dan-edukasi-diperkuat) · [Dinas Pertanian Kota Denpasar — Dinas Pertanian Bentuk UPT Pusat Pelayanan Kesehatan Hewan](https://www.pertanian.denpasarkota.go.id/berita/dinas-pertanian-bentuk-upt-pusat-pelayanan-kesehatan-hewan)

## What should you do if someone is bitten by a dog or cat?

Seek medical care at a health facility immediately, such as a puskesmas (community health centre), hospital or rabies centre, without waiting for symptoms. Kemenkes asks the public to report bite cases to the nearest health facility straight away. Health workers will assess the risk and decide what care is needed. Do not delay just because the animal that bit looks healthy or is known to you, because WHO says rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Also report the biting animal to the local animal health office or puskeswan. According to the Kemenkes circular, a rabies-transmitting animal that has bitten someone can be observed for 14 days by the animal health authority, with results coordinated with the health office. In Yogyakarta City, health workers and animal health officers work together on integrated bite case management (Takgit). Leave decisions about the animal to the officers, and do not try to handle a suspected rabid animal yourself.

Evidence: [Kemenkes — Surat Edaran Kewaspadaan terhadap Kasus Rabies di Indonesia](https://www.kemkes.go.id/id/surat-edaran-kewaspadaan-terhadap-kasus-rabies-di-indonesia) · [Kemenkes — Surat Edaran HK.02.02/C/508/2025 tentang Kewaspadaan terhadap Kasus Rabies (PDF)](https://www.kemkes.go.id/app_asset/file_content_download/174239565067dad9023342a5.65970066.pdf) · [WHO — Rabies fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies) · [Dinas Pertanian dan Pangan Kota Yogyakarta — Respon Cepat Penanganan Kasus Gigitan Hewan Pembawa Rabies](https://pertanian.jogjakota.go.id/detail/index/15300)

## Sources & references

1. [WHO — Rabies fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies)
2. [WHO — Zero by 30: the global strategic plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241513838)
3. [WOAH — Rabies](https://www.woah.org/en/disease/rabies/)
4. [MSD Veterinary Manual — Rabies in animals](https://www.msdvetmanual.com/nervous-system/rabies/rabies-in-animals)
5. [Kemenkes — Surat Edaran HK.02.02/C/508/2025 tentang Kewaspadaan terhadap Kasus Rabies (PDF)](https://www.kemkes.go.id/app_asset/file_content_download/174239565067dad9023342a5.65970066.pdf)
6. [Kemenkes — Surat Edaran Kewaspadaan terhadap Kasus Rabies di Indonesia](https://www.kemkes.go.id/id/surat-edaran-kewaspadaan-terhadap-kasus-rabies-di-indonesia)
7. [Kemenkes — 8 dari 34 Provinsi di Indonesia Bebas Rabies (2020)](https://kemkes.go.id/id/8-34-provinsi-indonesia-bebas-rabies)
8. [Ditjen PKH Kementan (BVet Subang) — Gencar Vaksinasi Hewan Tertular, Indonesia Siap Bebas Rabies di Tahun 2030](https://bvetsubang.ditjenpkh.pertanian.go.id/berita/gencar-vaksinasi-hewan-tertular-indonesia-siap-bebas-rabies-di-tahun-2030)
9. [Ditjen PKH Kementan (BPMSPH) — Kementan Pacu Bali Bebas Rabies: Vaksinasi dan Edukasi Diperkuat](https://bpmsph.ditjenpkh.pertanian.go.id/berita/kementan-pacu-bali-bebas-rabies-vaksinasi-dan-edukasi-diperkuat)
10. [IPB University (Unit Kesehatan) — Hari Rabies Sedunia](https://unitkesehatan.ipb.ac.id/hari-rabies-sedunia/)
11. [Dinas Pertanian dan Pangan Kota Yogyakarta — Respon Cepat Penanganan Kasus Gigitan Hewan Pembawa Rabies](https://pertanian.jogjakota.go.id/detail/index/15300)
12. [Dinas Pertanian dan Ketahanan Pangan Provinsi Bali — Vaksinasi Rabies Massal 2025 pada Hewan Penular Rabies (HPR)](https://distanpangan.baliprov.go.id/vaksinasi-rabies-massal-2025-pada-hewan-penular-rabies-hpr/)
13. [Dinas Pertanian Kota Denpasar — Dinas Pertanian Bentuk UPT Pusat Pelayanan Kesehatan Hewan](https://www.pertanian.denpasarkota.go.id/berita/dinas-pertanian-bentuk-upt-pusat-pelayanan-kesehatan-hewan)
14. [WSAVA — 2024 guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats (full text, Journal of Small Animal Practice)](https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WSAVA-Vaccination-guidelines-2024.pdf)

## Keep exploring

- [Cat vaccinations: types, schedule and benefits](https://panduanhewan.org/en/pet-health/cat-vaccinations/)
- [Dog vaccinations: types, schedule and boosters](https://panduanhewan.org/en/pet-health/dog-vaccinations/)
- [Neutering cats and dogs: benefits, timing and aftercare](https://panduanhewan.org/en/pet-health/neutering-cats-and-dogs/)
- [Choosing a vet and vet clinic in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/pet-health/choosing-a-vet-in-indonesia/)
- [Domestic cat](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/cat/)
- [Domestic dog](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/dog/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Rabies in dogs and cats: signs and prevention. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/pet-health/rabies-in-dogs-and-cats/