Pangasinan rabies fatalities rise to 12

The Pangasinan health and veterinary offices recorded at least 12 rabies-related deaths so far this year, higher than the 11 of the entire 2014, GMA Dagupan's Alfie Tulagan reported Tuesday on GMA News TV's "Balita Pilipinas Ngayon."

 

"Matagal na ito noong 2007 pa, at least mabibigyan ng pansin para maipatupad ang anti-rabies act," said Pangasinan provincial veterinarian Dr. Eric Perez.

 

The provincial board also passed a resolution urging all local chief executives to strengthen their anti-rabies efforts.

 

"I believe yung kaso, mababawasan yung gagawin natin at ibababa sa programa sa barangay. Sa barangay kasi, kilala nila," board member Amado Espino III said.

 

The “Balita Pilipinas Ngayon” report said more than 300,000 stray dogs in the province are potential causes of rabies. Less than half the dogs in the province are vaccinated.

 

Perez prompted pet owners to be responsible and have their dogs vaccinated. He added his office is conducting a massive vaccination program.  — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News