Rabies cases in Negros Occidental have increased by 23 percent compared to the same period last year, a Provincial Veterinary Office report on Tuesday, September 19, showed.
Rabies cases in the province this year were 13 as of August 31, or 23.07 percent higher than the 10 cases in 2022.
These cases were from the cities of Bacolod, Himamaylan, San Carlos, La Carlota, Victorias, Bago, Sagay, and towns of Calatrava and Isabela.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana said the PVO has noted a low anti-rabies vaccination rate in the province as some local government units did not purchase vaccines.
There are about 83,925 dogs that have been vaccinated in the province since January, or 30.62 percent of the total vaccination target, she said.
Lemana is urging residents to get their pets vaccinated, which is their responsibility.
Some LGUs have been conducting mass vaccination and information drives this month on responsible pet ownership in time for the World Rabies Day observance on September 28, Lemana also said.*