Manila: Ensuring that every local government unit (LGU) has a designated municipal veterinarian is crucial in lowering rabies cases and strengthening disease prevention efforts, a veterinary medicine specialist said Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, University of the Philippines Los Ba±os College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Dr. Maria Amelita Estacio emphasized that having a veterinarian at the municipal, city, and provincial levels allows LGUs to plan and implement programs addressing animal welfare, prevention, and treatment of animal diseases, including rabies, African swine fever, and avian influenza.
Dr. Estacio highlighted that rabies prevention requires organized and sustained vaccination campaigns, which can only be effectively carried out if there is a designated point person in charge of animal health. She explained that with a veterinarian in a municipality, officials can survey the number of dogs and cats, plan vaccine needs, and schedule vaccinations in different barangays. The likelihood of reducing rabies cases is high with a veterinarian in place.
Currently, veterinarian positions are commonly available in provinces, cities, and first-class municipalities, following a circular from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). However, many second- to sixth-class municipalities still lack permanent veterinary posts. Without a municipal veterinarian, there is no dedicated official to plan and oversee animal health programs, creating a gap in the "One Health" approach that links animal, human, and environmental health.
Dr. Estacio also pointed out the importance of a municipal veterinarian during disasters like floods and volcanic eruptions, where there is a need for rescue, treatment, and temporary shelter for affected animals. She noted that animal welfare responsibilities include managing stray dogs and cats, which directly impacts rabies control. LGUs should have ordinances requiring pet registration, vaccination, and responsible ownership, as well as animal shelters to manage strays.
To attract and retain veterinarians in LGUs, Dr. Estacio emphasized the importance of competitive compensation, permanent or tenured positions, and strong support from local chief executives. She recommended that a municipal veterinary office be composed of a senior veterinarian, junior veterinarians, and trained support staff to effectively cover all barangays.
The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 260 rabies cases nationwide from Jan. 1 to Sept. 20, 2025, noting that 95 percent of these infections were linked to animals that were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. From 2020 to 2024, the DOH logged a total of 1,750 rabies deaths. The agency has yet to release updated nationwide data on rabies cases.
