29/05/2025
๐จ๐จ PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY๐จ๐จ
๐ CONFIRMED RABIES CASE โ Puelay, Villasis, Pangasinan
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Date of Confirmation: May 29, 2025
A case of rabies has been officially confirmed in a 2-year-old dog named Dumpling, based on laboratory results from RADDL โ Ilocos Region.
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โ ๏ธ Timeline of Events:
๐ May 26 โ Dumpling was brought to Paws โn Herd Vet Services showing lethargy, loss of appetite, and tick infestation. Diagnosed with canine Ehrlichiosis thru rapid testing. No rabies vaccination history. Treated as outpatient.
๐ May 28 โ Sudden neurological symptoms appeared:
๐น Vocalization
๐น Incoordination
๐น Paralysis
๐น Difficulty eating
๐น Biting its cage
The dogโs condition worsened rapidly and the owner called the vet for a house visit, unfortunately the patient died around 6:00 PM a few minutes after the vet arrived.
๐งช The attending veterinarian, noting the rapid onset of neurological signs, strongly suspected rabies. A saliva sample was collected and tested using a rapid antigen test, which returned a negative result. However, given the limited accuracy (~80%) of the test and the clinical signs observed, the veterinarian recommended submiting the dogโs head to RADDL in Tebag, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan for confirmatory testing. As it was already nighttime, the head was carefully removed, preserved in ice, to be submitted first thing the following morning.
๐ฆUpon further investigation, Dumpling, along with 4 other dogs were kept caged and were only confined in a fenced compound with no outside contact with other dogs according to the owner. The vet also observed that the cages were kept near Aratiles (Sarisa) and Mulberry trees and presence of fruit bats were observedโa possible source of rabies exposure.
๐ May 29 โ The dogโs head was received by RADDL at 9:00 AM, and by 4:00 PM, test results confirmed the presence of rabies antigenโofficially identifying Dumpling as a CONFIRMED RABIES CASE
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๐ก๏ธ Public Health Response:
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All potentially exposed individuals were notified immediately and strongly advised to get vaccinated with post exposure anti rabies vaccine as soon as possible.
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The Municipal Agriculture Office was also notified for more coordinated response. Kindly wait for further announcement/s.
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๐ REMINDERS FOR PET OWNERS:
๐ Rabies is 100% FATAL once symptoms appear โ but 100% PREVENTABLE through antirabies vaccination.
๐ Make sure your dogs and cats are vaccinated annually.
๐จ Be alert to warning signs:
โขInappetence and/or difficulty swallowing, retching/choking
โขLethargy
โขSudden aggression and/or behavioral changes
โขUnusual or excessive vocalizations
โขExcessive salivation
โขNeurological signs like lack of coordination which may quickly progress to seizure, paralysis and/or death
๐จAlso be on the look out and check surroundings if there are presence of bats especially if you have fruit trees on your backyard.
๐ฃReport any suspicious animal behavior to your local vet or agriculture office right away.
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๐ฌ Letโs protect our families, pets, and neighborhoods. Stay vigilant and rabies-free!
๐ For help or free vaccination schedules, contact your barangay or municipal veterinary office.