The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in Negros Oriental said yesterday the incidence of rabies in animals increased this year compared to last year.

Jaymar Vilos, Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) information officer, told the Philippine News Agency that from January to August this year, 16 of 24 animal head samples received by the office tested positive for rabies.

In 2024, the PVO recorded only 10 rabies-positive cases in animals, Vilos said.

“To stem the rising incidence of rabies in animals, we are urging the public to avail of free anti-rabies vaccination, which is offered by the provincial government year-round,” he said.

The PVO is also distributing these vaccines to local government units (LGUs).

According to Vilos, this year’s rabies cases in animals involved dogs, with their head samples submitted by the LGUs to the PVO for laboratory examination.

Some cats were also tested during the period but were found negative for the rabies virus, he added.

The rise in cases is mainly attributed to unmonitored cats and dogs, particularly strays.

“The submission of animal heads for rabies testing depends on the LGU, although we also conduct our own surveillance and monitoring of samples,” Vilos said.

Owners of cats and dogs are urged to have their pets vaccinated against rabies to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, the PVO is consolidating its report on victims of rabid animal bites in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Integrated Provincial Health Office.

According to Vilos, the PVO was unable to report human fatalities caused by rabies because their main role is to identify the viral illness in animals.

He further explained that not all individuals bitten by rabid animals die if they receive prompt medical care. (PNA)