DOH taps DA to expand anti-rabies vaccination program

The Department of Health (DOH) is seeking to expand its rabies vaccination program due to a global shortage of anti-rabies vaccines for humans.

An Unang Balita report on Wednesday quoted Health Secretary Francisco Duque III as saying the DOH is planning to team up with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the program.

The Health secretary clarified that there was no current shortage in the country's supply of anti-rabies vaccines for humans.

However, the DOH reminded the public that Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 states that owners should have their dogs registered and immunized against rabies.

Dog owners were also reminded not to leave their pets unattended or let them go astray.

The development came following reports that 12 people in Zamboanga del Sur tested positive for rabies after eating dog meat. — Margaret Claire Layug/MDM, GMA News