Rabies deaths reviving worry over stray dogs

COTABATO CITY—Health officials here expressed concern anew over the proliferation of stray dogs after the deaths of four persons from rabies just in the first quarter of the year.

Dr. Dovia Tabugo, head of North Cotabato’s Integrated Provincial Health Office, on Friday said the four victims of rabies had been bitten by infected dogs. She could not say when the deaths occurred exactly, however.

Deaths traced to rabid dogs, however, are not new in the province, according to Tabugo.

In 2010, 13 people died of rabies after they were bitten by infected dogs. Rabies killed eight people here in 2011 and nine last year.

Quoting a report from the health office’s surveillance unit, she said several cases of dog bites in the province occurred inside the homes of dog owners or within their residential compounds.

She said as the campaign against stray dogs intensified in many North Cotabato towns, the health office is also appealing to pet owners to have their dogs vaccinated at veterinary offices.

Tabugo said pet owners have no reason not to have their dogs vaccinated because the service is free in government veterinary offices.

She urged residents to immediately seek attention if bitten by dogs.

Tabugo said  North Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Amas, Kidapawan City, has a special service division called “animal bite center.”