The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on the local government units (LGUs) nationwide to further intensify their rabies prevention and control measures in accordance with Republic Act No. 9482 or “The Anti-Rabies Act of 2007.’’

In a statement, the DILG said the advisory was made after the Department of Health (DOH) warned the public against complacency, stressing that rabies can be fatal and can be transmitted through bites, scratches or saliva of infected animals like domestic pets and strays.

The DOH noted that 211 rabies cases were recorded in the country from Jan. 1 to Aug. 2, this year, slightly lower than the 266 cases logged during the same period in 2024.

“LGUs and the public should not let their guards down,’’ the DILG reminded the public.

Under RA 9482, the DILG said that the specific responsibilities of the LGUs include the appointment of veterinarians and establishment of a veterinary office in all provinces, cities, and first-class municipalities, and the designation of municipal agriculturists in second to fifth class municipalities for rabies control. 

It added that the LGUs should enact ordinances and allocate funds to support the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program, which should include the regulation of unsafe traditional treatments such as “tandok."

Lacking any scientific basis, “tandok” is a traditional healing practice that involves using animal horns to create suction over small incisions made near the site of an animal bite. 

In the “tandok’’ method, the practitioners, known as “magtatandok,’’ extract blood carrying the rabies virus from the wound.

The practitioner makes small cuts on or near the wound to induce bleeding with animal horns from deer, goats, or carabaos placed over the incisions, and the practitioner creates a vacuum by sucking air out, which is believed to draw out the blood and any toxins.

The DILG also prodded the LGUs to undertake mass dog vaccination, registration and control of stray animals; establishment and maintenance of dog pounds individually or jointly with other LGUs or private facilities; enforcement of responsible pet ownership and prohibition of dog trading; and posting of rabies-related information in pet shops, among others.

“This initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to bolster public health initiatives at the community level and enforce responsible governance in managing preventable diseases,’’ the DILG said.