Bataan SP allots P 2 million for anti-rabies campaign

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has appropriated P 2 million for the acquisition of anti-rabies vaccines with the alarming increase of rabies cases both human and animal in the province.

Dr. Alberto S. Venturina, provincial veterinarian, stressed that about 30,000 dogs are targeted for the all-out campaign drive to eradicate the threat of deadly rabies virus to the community.

He reported that three persons including a-14-year old boy died of rabies contamination in the first quarter of the year in the towns of Dinalupihan, Hermosa and Abucay while 12 dogs turned positive of said disease per confirmatory findings of the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

He said out of the estimated 30,000 dog population in Bataan, about 11,012 dogs in 68 villages were already vaccinated as of April, this year.

With rabies disease prevalent during dry spell, Venturina has readied a workable plan which would efficiently deal with the problem; providing free massive anti-rabies vaccination in every barangay giving priority to high risk areas.

He said, the veterinary office personnel, in cooperation with local government units have been deployed, conducting information dissemination through public lectures on responsible pet ownership and rabies awareness during public forums and extension services.

Two private firms operating in the province, Magnolia dressing plant and Philippine Resins Industries Incorporated, have voluntarily provided vaccines and medical staff as integral part of their corporate responsibility in the campaign especially in remote villages of Bataan.