Five rabies-related deaths have been recorded at the Animal Bite and Treatment Center (ABTC) in Davao City as of September 2025, up from three cases in 2024. Dr. Yleona Ysabel T. Camelotes, head of ABTC, described the rise as alarming and urged intensified vaccination drives, rapid bite management, and broader public education to curb transmission. Rabies remains preventable, but once symptoms appear, treatment options become limited and often fatal.
What the latest figures mean for Davao City
The increase in fatalities indicates ongoing exposure to rabid animals and potential gaps in vaccination coverage for pets and stray animals, as well as in timely access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for bite victims. While ABTC continues to serve as a critical hub for bite management and rabies prevention, the five deaths underscore the urgency of comprehensive community engagement, from pet owners to barangay health workers, in reinforcing vaccination and safe-behavior practices.
Rabies risk explained
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms appear. In the Philippines, dogs are the principal source of transmission, with humans typically exposed through bites or scratches. Public health efforts focusing on mass dog vaccination, stray animal control, and accessible PEP for bite victims have proven effective in reducing fatalities where sustained programs exist. The 2025 data from Davao City suggests that these programs must be reinforced and expanded to protect vulnerable communities.
ABTC’s ongoing response
ABTC reports that it has intensified dog vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas and expanded stocking of rabies vaccines and PEP courses for bite victims. Dr. Camelotes emphasized that timely PEP, administered promptly after exposure, saves lives, and that delays can be fatal. The center is also engaging healthcare providers across the city to improve bite risk assessment, wound cleansing protocols, and adherence to vaccination schedules for both people and animals.
Expanded vaccination and PEP programs
Efforts are being scaled up in collaboration with local governments to reach more households, particularly in barangays with higher reported exposures. Free or subsidized dog vaccinations, combined with community education on responsible pet ownership, are central to reducing future risk. Health workers are being trained to recognize rabies exposure signs quickly and to initiate PEP without delay.
Public education and community outreach
Educational campaigns emphasize avoiding contact with unfamiliar or stray dogs, reporting aggressive animals, and seeking immediate medical care after any bite or scratch. Schools, markets, and community centers are being used as venues for disseminating information about rabies prevention, hand-washing after animal contact, and the importance of completing the full PEP course if exposure occurs.
What residents can do to protect themselves and pets
Residents have a crucial role in curbing rabies transmission. Pet owners should ensure their dogs and cats are vaccinated, keep pets on a leash, and address stray animal issues in coordination with local authorities. If bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, then seek urgent medical evaluation for PEP. Do not ignore bites from unfamiliar animals, even if the wound seems minor.
Pet vaccination and responsible ownership
Routine vaccination of pets is the most effective shield against rabies. Owners are encouraged to register pets with local veterinary services, maintain vaccination records, and supervise interactions between pets and stray animals. Community dog vaccination drives and microchipping initiatives help authorities track vaccination status and reduce stray populations over time.
Immediate steps after a bite
After any animal bite or scratch, fast action matters. Clean the wound with running water and soap, apply antiseptic, and seek medical attention right away. Health professionals will assess exposure risk and determine the appropriate PEP protocol, which may include a rabies vaccine series and, in some cases, rabies immunoglobulin depending on exposure severity and the bite source.
The road ahead for rabies prevention in Davao City
Moving forward, sustained collaboration among city health officials, veterinary services, and community leaders is essential. Strengthening vaccination coverage, improving access to PEP across all districts, and maintaining high public awareness will help reverse the rise in rabies fatalities. The ABTC’s data should serve as a rallying point for renewed commitment to a rabies-free vision for Davao City.
Policy and collaboration
Policy measures that support free or low-cost vaccination campaigns, better stray animal management, and efficient reporting of animal bite incidents will be key. Interagency cooperation with local governments, non-governmental organizations, and community groups can amplify reach and ensure that life-saving measures are available where they are most needed.
Long-term prevention goals
Ultimately, the goal is to sustain high vaccination coverage, maintain uninterrupted PEP availability, and foster a culture of prompt medical response after exposure. With continued public education and robust health services, Davao City can reduce rabies risk and protect its residents, pets, and visitors from this preventable threat.
