An apparent outbreak of rabies in Romblon province has so far caused at least three human deaths and has prompted local authorities to launch a massive vaccination campaign to contain the disease’s spread.
The rabies-eradication effort is currently focused on the province’s largest island of Tablas, where several government agencies have teamed up with private sector partners to inoculate an estimated 20,000 domesticated dogs.
As of Thursday, only about 10,000 animals have received their shots, according to the Field Epidemiology Program Foundation (FEPF), a non-government organization currently collaborating with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and the Provincial Health Office (PVO).
Veterinarian Dr. Mary Elizabeth Miranda, who heads the FEPF’s vaccination effort in Romblon, said at least 60 dogs have tested positive for the rabies virus since an initial case was detected in 2022.
Prior to this time, it was believed that Romblon had been rabies-free for a number of years, she noted. She speculated that rabies may have reentered the province through infected dogs that were transported inland aboard ferries or fishing boats.
“The only way to contain the virus is to vaccinate as many dogs as possible. Pet owners must also be reminded to keep their dogs inside their properties so they don’t come into contact with potentially sick strays,” said Miranda.
It can be recalled that the neighboring province of Marinduque has been battling a rabies outbreak of its own for several months now. Miranda said that government veterinarians from Marinduque have arrived in Romblon to provide assistance and swap technical insights on the disease, which remains 100 percent fatal once symptoms manifest.
Mitch Famaran, leading the vaccination effort for the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), disclosed in an interview that the “One Time Big Time” vaccination initiative, originally slated from May 6 to 10, has been extended until May 17 due to the sheer scale of the operation.
The decision to extend the drive reflects the provincial government’s concern over the apparently growing number of cases, although it has yet to be officially declared an “outbreak.”
Meanwhile, Joel Fadero, acting municipal agriculturist of Odiongan, recounted an incident on Wednesday where an individual was bitten by a rabid dog. Prompt action was taken by concerned residents, culminating in the euthanization of the aggressive dog. A subsequent rapid test conducted by the Municipal Agriculture Office confirmed the presence of rabies, prompting immediate treatment for the human victim, said Fadero.
