La Union targets 40K pet rabies vaccines, bans tandok

The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian in La Union aims to vaccinate over 40,000 pets against rabies this year as part of its ongoing efforts to eliminate the disease.

In 2024, there were seven cases of rabies in dogs, a decrease from 14 cases in 2023, but the number of animal bite incidents increased to 40,225 from 28,289.

La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David reiterated the ban on 'tandok,' a traditional method for treating animal bites, emphasizing that it compromises health and safety.

The province has established ten animal bite centers at various hospitals to provide proper medical care for individuals bitten by animals.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Domingo Calub highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership and noted that 38,257 pets were vaccinated across 271 barangays last year.

The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian is conducting information education campaigns and anti-rabies vaccinations in different towns to raise awareness about rabies prevention.