Negros records 39% spike in rabies cases among dogs

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Provincial Veterinary Office in Negros Occidental noted a 39 percent increase in rabies infection among dogs, with 13 confirmed positive cases in eight local government units (LGUs) from January to May 2021.

This is higher compared to last year’s data covering the same period, with only six cases in eight LGUs.

As of May 2021, the three LGUs with highest number of rabies positive dogs were Himamaylan City, followed by Victorias City and the municipality of Cauayan.

Other localities with rabies positive cases this year were the towns of Toboso, E.B. Magalona, Pontevedra, and the cities of Silay and Sagay.

The PVO reported that COVID-19 restrictions implemented last year affected the vaccination drive as only 46.95 percent or 126,484 of the 273,000 total dog population were inoculated against rabies.

The ideal inoculated population to reach herd immunity is 70 percent or 191,100 dogs.

With this, the PVO through its Provincial Veterinary District Field Units in coordination with the concerned LGUs immediately conducted massive vaccination.

Currently, a total of 74,781 dogs were vaccinated against rabies provincewide, serving 47,506 dog owners.

The province aims to buy additional rabies vaccine to increase its vaccination target and reduce active cases.

Also, a total of 468 stray dogs were impounded by LGUs with dog impounding facility in which 437 were terminated and 31 were redeemed and adopted.

Despite the constant efforts of the office and LGUs with established dog impounding facility to mitigate the number of stray dogs, the public is highly encouraged to follow standard protocols by having their dogs vaccinated at least annually against rabies and to not allow them to go out of the streets to prevent contamination and spread of the rabies.

Dog population control like spaying and neutering, compulsory leashing and movement control such as dog impounding, are also necessary.

While in cases of dog bites, the PVO advised victims to seek appropriate medical attention as soon as possible, since rabies has no treatment once the symptoms start to manifest.