RABIES cases this year has increased by almost half from January to July, with 21 cases compared to the same period last year with only 12.

Records at the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) showed the 21 cases this year was reported in Himamaylan City with nine, three each from Silay City and Candoni, Murcia with two, and one each in Hinoba-an, Kabankalan, Moises Padilla and Cauayan.

Since January to July, three persons have died due to rabies.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said that this year, they target to vaccinate 70 percent of the total dog population of 240,000 in the province and that they have already reached 56 percent.

He also said that this year, they lack 30 percent supply of anti-rabies vaccines.

One vial of anti-rabies vaccine is good for 10 dogs, he added.

The PVO has been encouraging dog owners to make sure that their dogs are vaccinated to be safe from rabies.