Wednesday, April 09, 2008 Rabies kills 2 in Negros Oriental
THE provincial veterinarian's office in Negros Oriental has confirmed at least two reported deaths due to rabies this year.
Dr. Antonio Mutia, provincial veterinarian, told Sun.Star that despite a heightened campaign, there are still reported victims of rabies in the province.
There were four deaths in 2007 in the province, Mutia declared, saying it has lessened this year but the public must still be wary of dog bites.
The fatalities, he said, are victims of stray dogs.
The provincial veterinarian said what is important is for the public to know how rabies can kill.
Doctor Mutia has encouraged all local officials to strengthen their campaign against stray dogs and implement the anti-rabies law by imposing penalty on irresponsible dog owners.
Stray dogs do not only kill people with their rabies, they also kill in vehicular accidents, he added.
Among the provision of the anti-rabies law is dog vaccination.
Mutia stressed that of the 90,000 dog population in the province, only 55,000 were vaccinated last year. This year, only two percent were vaccinated.
He also urged local legislators to localize the law applicable to their respective areas.
However, Councilor Noel de Jesus said there is already a local ordinance even before the anti-rabies law of 2007.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the anti-rabies law on June 25, 2007 but the anti-rabies ordinance in Dumaguete City was amended in the early part of 2006.
The city ordinance authorizes the shooting of stray or unregistered dogs. Liable owners will pay P165 as license fee for every dog.
The ordinance also provides for a maximum of two dogs per household.
As of this time, Dumaguete City has a total population of 20,000 dogs.
City Health Office (CHO) records show Dumaguete City with a total of 116 cases of dog bites out of the total 150 cases of animal bites last year.
In the same records, other incidents of animal bites included cat (18) and rat (11) bites. (VLC)
