Local government units across Ilocos Norte participated in the nationwide anti-rabies vaccination campaign on Wednesday, as part of Rabies Awareness Month this March.

In Barangay Tapao-Tigue in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, 77 dogs and 13 cats were vaccinated during a house-to-house vaccination drive.

“The Municipal Agriculture Office conducted the simultaneous anti-rabies vaccination as mandated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government this Wednesday at Tapao Tigue with the Provincial Veterinary Office,” said Erickson Biag, municipal agriculturist of Currimao.

According to Biag, they have exceeded the 50-head target during the mass vaccination in the municipality.

Since January, Provincial Veterinary Office chief Dr. Loida Valenzuela said they have recorded eight positive rabies cases out of the 12 samples submitted for testing.

“Of this number, there are two goats affected; both cases were traced in Laoag,” Valenzuela said.

She noted that all local government units have activated their respective municipal rabies control units to ensure that no pets are left behind in the intensified anti-rabies vaccination drive.

“Our vaccinators are deployed in various parts of the province for the vaccination campaign at the barangay level. Walk-ins are also accommodated at the PVO along Gomburza Street,” she added.

In this city, pet owners also brought their pets to the Laoag City Multi-Purpose Hall to join the Alisto Pets Fun Fair.

In addition to administering anti-rabies shots, deworming, veterinary consultations, and basic grooming were also provided in partnership with stakeholders.

A pet survey and registration were also conducted for proper monitoring and to determine the budget to be allocated for upcoming campaigns.

This includes a registration fee of PHP50 per dog annually, collected by the designated barangay in accordance with City Ordinance 2003-029.

During the program, Dr. Samantha Licudine, the city veterinarian, emphasized to residents the importance of getting regular anti-rabies vaccinations for pets, keeping pets inside their properties, and providing proper care for animals so they do not become strays.

Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and warm-blooded animals, particularly dogs.

Records from the National Rabies Prevention and Control program show that 300 to 600 Filipinos die of rabies every year.

Early signs include fever and tingling at the bite site, followed by excitement, fear of water, paralysis, or unconsciousness. Once symptoms appear, the disease is nearly always fatal, usually one to three months after the bite. (PNA)