THE Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Occidental is conducting massive dog vaccination in Candoni after three dog bites were reported in the town last week.
Dr. Ryan Hanoya, provincial rabies coordinator, said the dog was confirmed to be positive of rabies. The Quick Response Team, then, was immediately deployed to address the situation in the area.
The victims were residents of Barangay East, Hanoya said, adding they are aged seven, 13, and 17.
During the initial massive vaccination, 230 dogs were vaccinated.
From January to February, the PVO has already recorded two positive rabies cases in Himamaylan City and Candoni.
“Thus, we are urging the city and municipal veterinarians and livestock coordinator to conduct massive vaccination, especially among against stray dogs,” Hanoya said.
The PVO has been reminding the public to immediately report dog bites and have the dogs tested for rabies so appropriate actions could be taken.
In January to August 2018, a total of eight people died due to canine rabies in Western Visayas, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Of the figure, Negros Occidental has the highest figure with four cases and one each in Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo City.
The DOH has also been urging dog owners to be responsible by having their pets vaccinated and do not allow their pets to stray outside their respective compound.