BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Rabies cases among dogs in Negros Occidental posted a 39-percent increase, according to the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).
From January to May of this year, 13 rabies cases were recorded from eight localities. Data from the same period last year showed six cases.
Three localities with the most number of rabid dogs were the town of Cauayan and the cities of Victorias and Himamaylan.
The PVO also reported that of the estimated 273,000 dog population in the province, close to 47 percent have been vaccinated against rabies
The PVO further pointed out that to achieve herd immunity at least 191,100 dogs must be vaccinated.
It appeal to dog owners to have their pets vaccinated against rabies annually, adding that they plan on purchasing more rabies vaccines to reduce the number of new cases./PN