OF THE 13 samples submitted for laboratory examination during the first quarter of the year, four dogs in Negros Occidental were tested positive for rabies, records of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) showed.
In a report released on Tuesday, April 5, the PVO noted canine rabies-positive cases in Bago City, Sipalay City, E.B. Magalona town, and Bacolod City, particularly in Barangay Handumanan. The figure was lower than the five positive cases recorded during the same period in 2015.
For the entirety of 2015, PVO found 13 canine rabies-positive cases in Negros Occidental out of 28 samples examined. None were found positive from Bacolod City among the eight samples submitted for laboratory examination, the report added.
Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said samples submitted for laboratory examination are the heads of dogs.
After being tested positive, Decena said a quick response team with the local veterinarians was organized to conduct a one-kilometer radius vacation program.
“The blanket vaccination was conducted among the total dog population in the affected areas or barangays to make sure that other animals, especially dogs, are free of the virus,” he added.
Aside from a continuous information campaign, Decena said that enough post exposure vaccines from the Department of Health also contributed to fewer canine rabies-positive cases in the first quarter of 2016. (EPN)