LINGAYEN—Pangasinan is at the top of the country’s list of provinces with the highest rabies-positive dogs and four human deaths have been recorded within the year from rabies infection following a dog bite.

Dr. Eric Jose Perez, officer in charge of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, told The PUNCH that from January to August this year alone, there were 94 positive rabies cases based on laboratory examination done by the Diagnostic Laboratory in Sta. Barbara town under the Department of Agriculture.

Most of the 94 positive rabies cases come from western Pangasinan and all four death incidents happened in Bolinao.

Perez, however, said Pangasinan is top on the list among provinces nationwide probably owing to the high awareness level of Pangasinenses about rabies, submitting their dogs for examination if suspected to have rabies after biting a person.

It is also possible, according to Perez, that other provinces are not as diligent in submitting their reports.

September 8 was declared World Rabies Day by the Alliance for Rabies Control and the World health Organization.

Perez said the Philippines ranked third worldwide with high rabies incidents with about 300 to 400 death cases yearly.

The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian said it is addressing the situation by setting free massive anti-rabies vaccination of dogs in every town and city, complemented by an intensified information and education campaign.

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that can affect the central nervous system of any warm-blooded animal, including humans who may be exposed to it when bitten by an infected animal.

Signs of rabies in animals may include having excessive saliva or sometimes foaming at the mouth, paralysis, or behavioral changes.#

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