By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) reported, based on records between January 1 and May 31, nine local dogs recently tested positive for rabies. Seven of them were from throughout the province, while two were from Bacolod City.
According PVO Animal Health Division head, Dr. Ryan Janoya, the latest rabies case was discovered in Barangay Bata, Bacolod City.
He said their office has administered anti-rabies vaccinations to an estimated 46 percent of the local dog population, which is estimated to be around 106,000.
“People have to understand the importance of vaccinating dogs,” the PVO official added. “Rabies is 100 percent fatal, but 99.9 percent preventable.”
Among the areas of concern for the PVO is the sixth district, where one person from Cauayan and one from Ilog died after reportedly being bitten by rabid dogs./WDJ