SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The La Union Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) is ramping up rabies awareness and vaccination efforts to eliminate the disease by 2030.
The provincial government offers free rabies vaccinations, deworming, and medical consultations across municipalities while enforcing the Rabies Act of 2007.
To curb rising dog bite cases, mass vaccination drives have been scheduled, including a major drive on March 28 in Bacnotan town.
Amid increasing reports of dog bite incidents, particularly in high-risk areas, the PVO has scheduled multiple vaccination events.
The campaign kicked off on March 2 in San Fernando City, followed by another drive on March 4 at Bacnotan District Hospital in Bacnotan town, where hospital officials raised concerns over the growing number of bite victims.
March was declared Rabies Awareness Month due to a seasonal rise in cases during the dry months.
Unlike during the rainy season, when rabid dogs may avoid moving due to fear of water, infected animals in the furious stage can travel up to five kilometers, significantly increasing the risk of transmission.
Doctor Domingo Bobby Calub III, La Union’s Provincial Veterinarian, underscored the urgency of the campaign, emphasizing that rabies is entirely preventable if the right measures are taken.
“Rabies is a fatal but 100% preventable disease. Our goal is to vaccinate as many pets as possible and educate communities on responsible pet ownership,” Calub said.
The provincial veterinary office reiterated rabies progresses in three stages: the prodromal stage (1–4 days), where the infected animal shows weakness or illness; the furious stage (5–8 days), marked by aggression and virus transmission through saliva; and the paralytic stage, which leads to nervous system failure, paralysis, and death.
The virus can infect all mammals, including dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. In Bangar town, a rabid puppy recently bit a cow that later tested positive after 60 days.
While cats rarely bite, they can spread rabies through scratches by transferring the virus from their saliva to their claws.
A holistic strategy
To combat rabies effectively, La Union is focusing on mass vaccination programs, strict pet regulations, and intensified public education.
The province is securing 60 percent of its vaccines through various government levels while aiming to meet the national 80 percent vaccination target to establish herd immunity.
Authorities are also cracking down on free-roaming dogs, which significantly contribute to rabies transmission.
Education remains a key pillar of the campaign.
The PVO is conducting information drives in hospitals and animal bite centers, and an educational video on responsible pet ownership will soon be available in treatment centers to further guide pet owners.
Accessible veterinary services
The PVO welcomes the public for consultations at a minimal fee of P50, while vaccinations and deworming services remain free in designated locations.
Calub reminded pet owners that their cooperation is essential in making La Union rabies-free.
“We can only achieve a rabies-free La Union by working together. Vaccinate your pets, be responsible pet owners, and help us spread awareness. Every effort counts toward saving lives,” he said.
As La Union intensifies its rabies awareness efforts, the success of the campaign ultimately depends on responsible pet owners, who play a crucial role in ensuring a safer, rabies-free community for all. (CCMT/KJCR/GAP, PIA La Union)
