Public health authorities in Pampanga on Thursday (Aug. 14) warned residents to avoid consuming rice field rats in the wake of reports of rising incidence of leptospirosis in the province and other parts of the country.

Dr. Monserrat Chichioco, chief of the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) cited a warning made by an infectious disease expert of the hospital that there is no guarantee that rats feeding on leaves and palay are free from carrying leptospirosis virus.

JBLMGH doctors have expressed concern over the rising cases of leptospirosis admitted in the hospital, noting that from 16 cases in July, patients have risen to 54 as of Aug. 12.

Already, seven patients have succumbed to the disease.

In 2025, a total 15 deaths were recorded at the JBLMGH due to leptospirosis.

Known as dagang bukid, rice field rats are being caught by farmers in Nueva Ecija and parts of Pampanga during harvest and planting seasons.

They are cooked and served as “pulutan” during drinking sessions.

Many farmers believe that rats caught in their rice fields are clean and disease free because, unlike common house or sewer rats, they feed on a “clean and healthy” diet of grass and palay.