Four members of a family in Barangay Mintal, Davao City were bitten by their pet dog, which later tested positive for rabies.

“Didto nako na-confirm sa among nurse nga nag-positive ang iro. So, iro ni sa tagtungod, murag nakacage ata unya nakabuhi. So, mao to naa lang sa sulod sa ilang tugkaran,” Barangay Mintal Chairman Rey Amador Bargamento said.

The Davao City Veterinarian’s Office has launched an intervention by vaccinating other dogs in the area.

Authorities warned the public not to be complacent with pet dogs as they can still contract rabies.

Based on data from the Department of Health-Davao (DOH-11), of the 36 rabies cases in 2024, 21 involved vaccinated pet dogs while 15 involved unvaccinated stray dogs.

“Pagkapaak pa lang, wala pa tong test sa positive. Pagka-paak pa lang, nagpa-anti-rabies man dayon tong tagtungod. Unya kadtong, pagpositive na, kagabii man mi nakahibalo, pagkaugma, nisugod na dayon ang City Vet dinhi, nagbakuna ang mga iro,” Bargamento added.

“‘Yung alaga has become the major source of infecting animal. So, dapat again, let us be responsible pet owner,” Usec. Abdullah Dumama Jr., concurrent director of DOH-11, said.

Authorities also reminded the public to immediately consult the Animal Bite Treatment Centers if bitten even by vaccinated dogs.