In response to a surge in rabies cases and deaths, the Albay Veterinary Office urged the establishment of a One Health Committee to coordinate efforts in controlling the spread of the disease in both animals and humans.
Data from the Albay Provincial Health Office’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit show a total of 67 confirmed animal rabies cases between 2022 and 2024. Over the same period, 17 people died from rabies after being bitten, mostly by stray or pet dogs.
Animal rabies cases increased every year, with 21 cases recorded in 2022, 18 cases in 2023, and 28 cases in 2024. Human fatalities followed a similar trend, two cases in 2022 to five cases in 2023, and 10 cases this year. Figures for the early months of 2025 are still being compiled.
On Tuesday, the animal bite treatment section of the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center in Legazpi City was overwhelmed as residents from across the province lined up early in the morning. By 8 a.m., the center had stopped administering anti-rabies shots after reaching its daily vaccine quota.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Pancho R. Mella emphasized the urgent need for a unified and strategic approach involving both health and veterinary sectors. He called on all local government veterinary offices and rural health units to enhance coordination in rabies surveillance, monitoring, and vaccination efforts.