By Francis Allan L. Angelo
The recent warning issued by the Iloilo Provincial Veterinarian Office (PVO) regarding the heightened risk of rabies during the dry season underscores the urgent need to address this issue.
As PVO chief Darel Tabuada pointed out, the extreme weather conditions during summer lead to increased outdoor activities, which in turn raise the chances of encounters with rabid dogs, particularly among children.
Despite the efforts of local governments to vaccinate dogs against rabies, the lack of responsible pet ownership remains a significant obstacle in controlling the disease.
Rabies, a deadly zoonotic disease primarily transmitted by dogs, remains a significant public health concern in the Philippines despite considerable efforts to control it. The persistence of rabies and the rise in human rabies deaths, which increased by 8% from the previous year as of April 2023, highlight the country’s ongoing struggle against the disease. The alarming statistics necessitate a deeper look into the root causes, with a particular focus on the responsibilities of pet owners.
Studies have shown that the Philippine government has implemented measures to curb the rabies threat, such as the establishment of the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, which mandates responsible pet ownership and the vaccination of dogs. Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) across the country have increased access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for bite victims. In fact, the government has facilitated the provision of free full PEP courses in 408 ABTCs since 2016. However, despite these substantial efforts and an expansive network of ABTCs, the expected decline in rabies cases has not been realized.
The Philippine Department of Health’s figures indicate that there were approximately 1.1 million reported animal bite cases in 2018, an increase from the reported figure of 1.089 million in 2016. This rise is thought to be partly due to policy changes that covered the full cost of PEP, thereby increasing reports of animal bites. Yet, this increase in service provision does not appear to be mirrored by a decrease in rabies incidence.
A study in Metro Manila from 2006 to 2015 identified that despite the increase in the availability of vaccines and rabies immunoglobulin, there has not been a significant impact on human rabies cases. The lack of a downward trend in human rabies cases in the past decade (2008–2018) suggests that while post-bite treatment is important, it is not enough on its own to control the spread of rabies.
The challenge is further exacerbated by the fact that while rabies can be prevented through vaccination, awareness, and responsible pet ownership, these preventative measures are not universally applied. There’s a critical need for a more robust implementation of vaccination policies and education campaigns to raise awareness of the risks and necessary precautions for rabies prevention.
Integrated bite case management and the prompt reporting of bite incidents play crucial roles in controlling rabies. Victims are urged to ensure that biting animals are quarantined for observation, with any symptomatic changes during this period reported to local authorities. This protocol aims to confirm rabies in biting animals quickly, which is essential for the safety of the community and the efficacy of the response to potential rabies exposure.
The overreliance on PEP, without a corresponding emphasis on the vaccination of dogs and public education, points to a reactive rather than proactive approach to rabies control. Responsible pet ownership, including regular vaccination, leash laws, and public education campaigns, are critical in preventing rabies at its source.
The persistent rabies problem underscores a disconnect between policy and practice, and it is indicative of an irresponsible attitude toward pet ownership in some cases. This gap highlights the need for a shift towards a culture of prevention, comprehensive rabies education, and stronger enforcement of existing laws to safeguard public health.
The “perennial problem” of rabies in the Philippines, therefore, is not merely a medical or veterinary issue but is deeply rooted in societal behavior and attitudes towards pet ownership.
The nation’s goal of being rabies-free by 2030 will require concerted efforts not just from the government and health care providers but also from every pet owner and member of the community.
Only through a collective commitment to responsible pet management and preventive practices can the Philippines hope to achieve this ambitious but crucial public health goal.
