TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar, through its provincial rabies control committee (PRCC) executive members and technical working group, continues to work toward the goal of making the province rabies-free.
Despite recording 16,288 individuals exposed to animal bites, as reported by the province’s Animal Bite Centers, Northern Samar is one of only two provinces in Eastern Visayas with no reported human rabies cases.
The municipalities of Catarman, Laoang, Lavezares, Allen, and Catubig have the highest incidences of animal bites. However, the island towns of San Antonio and Capul stand out as rabies-free municipalities, reporting zero bite cases.
The Provincial Veterinary Office has been actively conducting anti-rabies campaigns, vaccinating 15,090 dogs and 1,930 cats across the province, according to Provincial Rabies Coordinator Sheila Acero.
Additionally, the province implements animal population control strategies such as castration and neutering.
To sustain the anti-rabies program, the PRCC has committed to strengthening collaborations with non-government organizations (NGOs) and increasing the involvement of local chief executives.
This initiative aims to expand vaccination coverage in municipalities and barangays, particularly in remote islands and interior areas, while promoting responsible pet ownership.
Northern Samar residents have access to animal bite centers (ABCs) at the following facilities: Allen District Hospital; San Antonio District Hospital; Capul District Hospital; Northern Samar Provincial Hospital; Catubig District Hospital; GB Tan Memorial Hospital; Gamay District Hospital; and San Roque RHU Animal Bite Treatment Center.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
