The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in Negros Oriental recently announced an increase in the incidence of rabies in animals in the Republic of the Philippines this year.
Jaymar Vilos, PVO information officer, told the Philippine News Agency on September 11, 2025, that from January to August this year, 16 of 24 animal head samples received by the office tested positive for rabies.
According to Vilos, the PVO has not reported human fatalities caused by rabies this year.
Unlike previous years, these rabies cases involved dogs, not cats.
In 2024, the PVO recorded only 10 rabies-positive cases in animals, Vilos said.
“To stem the rising incidence of rabies in animals, we are urging the public to avail of free anti-rabies vaccination, which is offered by the provincial government year-round,” Vilos said.
The PVO is also distributing these vaccines to local governments for deployment in their respective communities. Additionally, cat and dog owners are urged to have their pets vaccinated against rabies to prevent the further spread of the virus.
As of September 12, 2025, the U.S. CDC states that rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the Philippines for individuals who have been exposed to the virus while visiting the country. Over 5 million people visited the Philippines last year.
Additionally, a healthcare provider can help determine whether you should receive a pre-exposure vaccination before traveling abroad this year.
The CDC has recently included the Philippines in measles and dengue Travel Health Advisories.