Iloilo City Logs 8 Rabies Cases, Nears 30% Vaccination

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City Veterinary Office (CVO) is intensifying its mass rabies vaccination campaign and preparing to resume spaying and neutering operations following the documentation of animal rabies cases.

CVO head Dr. Ferdinand Abulencia confirmed that eight rabies cases have been reported in the city so far this year.

He said five of the animals displayed rabies symptoms and later died, while three stray animals were turned over by rescue groups.

Of the eight cases, five involved owned pets and three involved stray animals.

The city has submitted five dog specimens to the Department of Agriculture for confirmatory testing.

Abulencia noted that no human rabies deaths have been reported in the city this year.

To prevent further transmission, the CVO continues to roll out its mass rabies vaccination campaign targeting both owned and stray dogs.

Rabies vaccinations have been completed in three city districts, with ongoing efforts now focused on Mandurriao.

Vaccination teams are also covering public areas such as Sunset Boulevard and Plaza Libertad, where many stray or free-roaming animals are found.

“We are still ongoing with our mass vaccinations, and we are strengthening our initiative to vaccinate all animals,” Abulencia said.

Spaying and neutering operations are expected to resume in the last week of June once the city completes procurement of necessary supplies.

Abulencia said the office has shifted its approach this year to prioritize field vaccination and public education over impounding stray animals.

“We are actively educating pet owners to leash their animals and prevent them from loitering in public areas,” he added.

The Iloilo City Pound currently houses 30 animals, although it has a capacity of 40 to 50.

Abulencia emphasized the strict implementation of the Iloilo City Animal Welfare Ordinance, passed in July 2024, which promotes responsible pet ownership, regulates companion animal trade, and establishes systems to monitor zoonotic diseases and other animal welfare issues.

Pet owners who violate the ordinance may face penalties.

Iloilo City, like the provincial government, is targeting a rabies-free declaration by 2030.

Since launching its mass vaccination campaign in March, the city has reached nearly 30% coverage.

“Hopefully, we will exceed 70 percent, just like last year, when we reached 85% vaccination coverage,” Abulencia said.