Province to declare more ‘rabies-free’ areas

DR. DAREL TABUADA of the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office identifies rabies-free areas in the Iloilo provincial map.

THREE islands in the province of Iloilo will be proclaimed “rabies-free” areas, according to the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office (PVO).

The islands of Salvacion-Malangabang, Baliguian, and Sombrero in Concepcion, Iloilo are set to be declared as “rabies-free” zones by the National Rabies Prevention and Control Committee (NRPCC) on Sept 28, 2018, said Dr. Darel Tabuada, Veterinarian IV.

The first three areas to earn the distinction in 2016 are the islands barangays of Tambaliza, Macatunao, Taloto-an in Pan de Azucar Island; and Botlog in Botlog Island.

In order for an area to be declared as “rabies-free,” it must have no record of human and animal rabies for the past two years, must properly implement the anti-rabies ordinance, and must have high vaccination coverage, Tabuada said.

Likewise, animal movement in the area must also be controlled.

“Before magkadto ang isa ka ido sa island nga ‘ni, dapat free siya sa rabies, vaccinated siya against rabies kag gina-inspect na didto siya saBarangay before siya makasulod,” Tabuada said.

The islands of Salvacion-Malangabang, Baligian and Sombrero have an estimated of 1,000 dog population. There were recorded cases of dog bites in the area but according to Tabuada, all cases tested negative from rabies.

On the other hand, declaring “rabies-free” municipalities and Barangays located in the mainland remains a challenge for the PVO.

“Ang problema naton, kung isa siya ka banwa, hapos ang pagtravel sang mga ido. Hapos makacross from other municipality, wala kita boundary. Pero kung sa island, may tubig kita nga boundary,” Tabuada said.

This year, the province recorded a total of 54 rabid dogs.

“Ini sila nga mga positive, ulo ini sang mga ido nga gindala sa laboratory for laboratory confirmation and it turned out nga nag-positibo sila sa rabies,” Tabuada explained.

Based on the Rabies Prevention and Control program data, the municipality of Sta. Barbara topped with nine rabid dogs, followed by San Miguel with five, and Alimodian with three.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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