Philippines needs to vaccinate 22 million dogs to end rabies —DA

NUEVA ECIJA—The Philippines needs to vaccinate 22 million dogs to eradicate rabies across the country, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said on Wednesday.

On the sidelines of a food security communications workshop, Tiu Laurel said the Department of Agriculture will request P110 million from Congress for the procurement of anti-rabies vaccines in 2025.

“Ang sinasabi nila sa akin, for next year, we need P110 million on the vaccine alone, no? Wala pa yung maga-apply, wala pa yung syringe, wala pa yung roll-out ng program. For the vaccine alone," Tiu Laurel said. 

"Kailangan i-vaccinate is 22 million dogs eh. Yung 22 million dogs, para ma-eradicate ito. Hopefully ma-eradicate. So, we need at least P110 million na budget na kasi yung isang vaccine is almost P500 yata isa,” he added.

(I was told that we need P110 million for the vaccines alone. The cost has yet to cover those who will apply, the syringes, and the roll-out program. It's for the vaccine alone. We need to vaccinate 22 million dogs to eradicate this. Hopefully, we can eradicate this. So, we need at least P110 million because one vaccine shot costs P500.)

Tiu Laurel said the situation needed to be addressed although it has yet to reach alarming levels.

Marinduque Provincial Veterinarian Dr Josue Victoria said Boac and Buenavista towns had been placed under a state of calamity because of numerous rabies cases.

Victoria reported that thousands in Marinduque have been bitten by dogs and 2 have died because of rabies.

Several cattle, pigs, and a Philippine brown deer have also been bitten. —NB, GMA Integrated News