Iloilo nears rabies-free goal with 72% vaccination

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Provincial Veterinarian’s Office (PVO) announced that 72 percent, or about 233,830, of the total 324,764 dogs in Iloilo Province have been vaccinated against rabies as of April 30, 2024.

The achievement surpasses the initial target of 70 percent vaccination and is a key component of Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor’s initiative to declare the province rabies-free by 2030.

Under the leadership of Dr. Darel Tabuada, the PVO procured P8 million worth of anti-rabies vaccines aimed at immunizing at least 70 percent of the dogs between February and April 2024 to achieve herd immunity. The vaccination campaign, launched on February 1 in Maasin, Iloilo, spanned 42 local government units over three months.

This proactive approach aligns with a broader strategy to reduce rabies-related deaths and protect both humans and animals from this fatal disease.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the PVO are also taking necessary steps to prevent any rabies-related fatalities in 2024, while promoting public awareness about the importance of vaccination.

Governor Defensor has consistently emphasized the crucial role of community participation in the success of the vaccination campaign, urging residents to have their pets vaccinated and to report any stray or unvaccinated animals.

With the current momentum, Iloilo Province is on track to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming rabies-free by 2030.