Rabies cases in Iloilo City reach alarming stage
Rabies cases in Iloilo City has reached alarming stage prompting the city government to activate the Iloilo City Rabies Control Committee.
The City Veterinary Office has recorded six rabies cases from January until early part of February this year. Of the six cases three were recorded in the district of Jaro and one case each in the districts of La Paz, Arevalo and Mandurriao, said Dr. Suzette Leal, veterinarian 4.
The first barangays in the city with confirmed rabies cases are in Fil-AM compound in Commission Civil, Simon Ledesma, Barangay Buhang, all in Jaro; Barangay Gustilo in La Paz, Barangay Bonifacio, Arevalo and Pali-Benedicto in Mandurriao.
Dogs found positive of rabies are not just stray dogs but also those dogs considered by owners as pet, said Dr. Leal.
In 2009, there were 28 confirmed rabies cases and 39 in 2008. Iloilo City posted a high incidence of rabies cases nationwide in 2008. Though, the cases dropped last year but still the figures speak of high cases, said Leal.
The heads of dogs suspected with rabies are brought to the Regional Animal Diagnostic Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture for laboratory examination, said Leal.
Leal said they are hoping to vaccinate 80 percent of the dog population on the city. The vaccination effort of the City Veterinarian Office however depends on the availability of budget appropriated by the city government.
In a P1 million budget, the City Veterinarian can avail of 12,000 vials of dog vaccine. The vaccine shots are given for free.
With the high incidence of rabies cases, Mayor Jerry Treñas has issued an executive order 02-series of 2010, an order creating the Iloilo City Rabies Control Committee. The order took effect Jan. 20.
The creation of the rabies control committee is also in accordance with city Regulation Ordinance No. 97-041.
Treñas, himself is the chair of the committee while Councilor Erwin Plagata, chair of the committee on Health and Sanitation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and Dr. Tomas Forteza Jr., City Veterinarian, as vice chairmen.
The other members of the committee are City Health Office head Dr. Urminico Baronda, Iloilo City Police Office Director Sr. Supt. Melvin Mongcal, Iloilo City Schools Superintendent Dr. Erlinda Gencaya, City DILG John Ace Azarcon, Liga ng mga Barangay president Irene Ong, City Prosecutor Peter Baliao, Amante Espejo Jr, head of the city Public Information Office and Don Marcellana of the Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo as representative from the non-government organization.
Treñas, in his executive order said the incidence of positive rabies cases in the city has greatly increased over the last year. “Rabies is a dreaded and fatal disease.”
The mayor said rabies cases have already reached an alarming condition. It needs an immediate measure to address the situation.
