Rabies cases in Antique spark stronger vaccine drive

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Rabies remains a persistent public health threat in Antique, with provincial data showing that most animal samples tested last year were positive, prompting authorities to intensify vaccination drives and push for stricter pet ownership.

In a press release, the provincial government said records from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian showed that 10 of the 16 animal specimens tested in 2025 were confirmed positive for rabies.

The cases were recorded in several municipalities, including Belison, Culasi, Libertad, Pandan, Patnongon, Sibalom and Tibiao.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Marco Rafael Ardamil said most of the animals that tested positive were stray dogs without owners, underscoring the continuing challenge of controlling free-roaming and unvaccinated animals.

While the Provincial Health Office manages human rabies cases, Ardamil said at least one suspected rabies-related death was reported in the town of Barbaza last year.

He stressed, however, that rabies in humans is entirely preventable with timely intervention, noting that while the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, it can be avoided through prompt vaccination.

Ardamil also warned that rabies transmission typically increases during the hot months from March to May, when heat stress and limited water supply can weaken animals and make them more aggressive.

He cited a similar uptick in cases during the El Niño-induced drought in 2023.

He added that of the total animal bite cases in humans, dogs account for about 98%, while only 2% involve cats and other animals.

To curb the spread, the provincial government administered 17,631 doses of anti-rabies vaccine to dogs in 2025 through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, municipal agriculture offices and support from the Department of Agriculture.

However, Ardamil said vaccine supply remains insufficient to cover the entire province, urging local government units down to the barangay level to allocate additional resources.

The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian continues to conduct rapid testing of animal specimens and coordinates with local health centers to ensure the immediate vaccination of bite victims.

Confirmatory tests are conducted at a Department of Agriculture laboratory in Iloilo.

Rabies, a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, is fatal once symptoms develop but is preventable through timely vaccination.

Gov. Paolo Javier called on residents to support government efforts, particularly mass vaccination campaigns and responsible pet ownership.

“We are taking this situation seriously, especially with the increase in rabies cases recorded last year. I call on all Antiqueños to cooperate with our ongoing vaccination drives and strictly practice responsible pet ownership,” Javier said.

Authorities are also pushing for stricter compliance with responsible pet ownership under the Anti-Rabies Act, which requires pet owners to register, vaccinate and properly care for their animals.

As the country marks Rabies Awareness Month every March, officials said achieving a rabies-free Philippines by 2030 will depend on sustained vaccination efforts and stronger public cooperation.