Cebu City pet owners and residents are facing a heightened risk of rabies exposure after authorities confirmed that the city’s anti-rabies vaccine supply remains far below the level needed to achieve herd immunity among dogs.
The Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) reported that it received only 1,400 vaccine vials this year, a figure significantly lower than the 11,000 to 12,000 vials required to reach the recommended vaccination coverage.
City veterinarian Jessica Maribojoc said the shortfall prevents the city from meeting the 70 percent vaccination target set by global health standards.
“Kung mag-base ta sa population sa 2016 baseline, which is 166,000 dogs, makuha lang ang 70% ana kung naa tay 11,000 vials. Layo pa kaayo ang 1,400 vials,” she said.
Based on the 2016 estimated dog population of 166,880, about 116,000 dogs need to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.
Each vaccine vial covers 10 dogs, meaning the current stock can only immunize around 14,000 animals, or about 12 percent of the target population.
Maribojoc said the shortage is worsened by delivery delays and outdated population estimates used in planning vaccine procurement.
Of the 1,400 vials allocated from the previous budget, only 900 arrived in January, while 500 had already been used in December due to delayed shipment schedules.
She added that under World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards, dog population estimates should be about 25 percent of the human population. She said Cebu City’s actual requirement may be as high as 20,000 vials annually, far above current supply levels.
The city allocated P3.5 million for veterinary medicines and biologics this year, lower than previous projections, further limiting response capacity.
“Dili lang kami nga office ang gi-decrease ang budget,” Maribojoc said.
Despite the constraints, the DVMF said it continues to prioritize barangays with reported rabies cases, focusing vaccination efforts in high-risk areas and expanding outward as supplies allow.
However, Maribojoc stressed that operational plans remain limited by supply availability.
“Supposedly, kung ingana ang sitwasyon, dili gyud angay i-cut off amoang budget,” she said.
She added that vaccine procurement is currently stalled pending the issuance of a formal Purchase Order, delaying the release of additional supplies even with identified funding.
Until procurement processes are completed, the city’s rabies prevention campaign remains constrained, raising concerns over sustained protection for both pets and the public. (LLP)
Photo courtesy of Dogsee Chew
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