The Province of Dinagat Island has been declared rabies-free zone and a local declaration was conducted last March 16 by the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health, lead implementers of the Rabies Eradication and Control Program. These include the municipalities of Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo, Loreto, San Jose and Tubajon.
“This is the fruit of our labor as we push strategic measures in eliminating rabies in our province. Our advocacy through information awareness and mass dog vaccination campaign paved the way for us to be rabies-free,” said Dr. Aimee A. Jimeno, Provincial Veterinarian.
The PLGU-Dinagat Islands implemented dog control measures through the enforcement of local ordinances in accordance with Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007. “This included impounding of stray dogs from all municipalities”, Dr. Jimeno added.
With seven municipalities added, there are already 35 rabies-free zones in the country. Out of the totaled rabies-free zones 8 municipalities are from Caraga region including the municipality of Socorro, Surigao del Norte. This is the result of the intensified campaign of DA, DOH and LGUs against the disease.
“DA together with the Bureau of Animal Industry continues to work on eliminating rabies while promoting animal welfare and preventing animal cruelty. Increasing public awareness on the importance of dog vaccination will also continue throughout the region”, said Dr. Esther Cardeño, DA-Rabies Regional Coordinator.
In support to the Rabies Eradication Program, DA’s Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) offers free rabies diagnosis exam. The free laboratory exam is meant to encourage pet owners the submission of more samples from suspected animal rabies cases.
According to DOH, rabies from dog bites continues to be one of the leading causes of death in the country. On average, 200 to 300 Filipinos die from rabies each year. As of today there are 424 Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) accessible nationwide where 21 ABTCs are in Caraga region. (Rhea C. Abao, DA-Information Section)
