The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), along with the city and municipal agriculture offices, continues to intensify its anti-rabies vaccination for dogs as rabies cases have begun to increase, with 30 cases reported so far this year. Provincial Veterinarian Loida Valenzuela confirmed this in an interview Wednesday, saying that most of the 30 cases from January to April were from Batac City and nearby towns of the second district. Valenzuela said the presence of stray dogs and the absence of a massive anti-rabies vaccination for more than two years due to the pandemic could be blamed for the increase. ‘We urge pet owners to be responsible and make sure that their animals do not go astray,’ she said, adding that this is the first time the province had reported rabies cases after more than a decade of being rabies-free. To contain the spread of rabies, the PVO plans to launch massive anti-rabies vaccination activities in areas with cases, to be complemented by massive information and education campaigns on responsible ownership. According to the provincial veterinarian, rabies can be prevented through the vaccination of dogs and other pets, as well as by avoiding interactions with wild or stray animals. In case of a bite, victims should immediately wash wounds with soap and running water and proceed to an animal bite treatment center for immediate action and intervention.

Source: Philippines News Agency