SAN JOSE, Antique – The newly-confirmed Provincial Veterinarian (ProVet) of Antique is advocating responsible dog ownership as a preventive measure against rabies.
“Stray dogs are a concern,” said Dr. Florencio Macuja.
The Provincial Veterinary Office will be launching a massive information dissemination campaign with the aim of persuading dog owners not let their pets go astray or be a danger to other people.
Dr. Marco Rafael Ardamil, head of the ProVet Public Health Division, said they met with the Liga ng mga Barangay of Patnongon recently and explained the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, including the responsibilities of pet owners.
“Among the owner’s responsibilities are for them to have their dogs be regularly vaccinated against rabies, be registered in their barangay halls, and for them to be provided with proper grooming, adequate food, and clean shelter,” he said.
Last year, there were two human deaths due to dog bites in the towns of Valderrama and Libertad, Ardamil said.
“Last January 2021, two heads of dogs were sent to the Department of Agriculture regional laboratory for analysis. They turned out positive for rabies,” he added.
Luckily there was no human death due to rabies last month; victims of dog bites were given immediate treatment, said Ardamil.
The ProVet is currently updating its record of Antique’s dog population, which stood at 41,033 in 2019. (PNA)
