LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – Eighteen dogs in this province tested positive for rabies in the first quarter of this year.
Dr. Loida Valenzuela, provincial veterinary officer, said that this is the first time that the province had rabies cases after more than 10 years of being rabies-free.
The PVO examined 23 dogs from this city, Batac City, Paoay, Bacarra, Badoc, Piddig, and Nueva Era and five of them tested negative while 18 were found to have rabies.
Valenzuela attributed this to stray dogs and the absence of a massive anti-rabies vaccination for more than two years due to the pandemic.
To contain the spread of rabies, the PVO will launch massive anti-rabies vaccination activities in areas with cases.
This will be complemented by a massive information drive urging residents to subject their dogs to anti-rabies vaccination for their safety.