Animal companionship is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Filipino society.
The recent surge in rabies cases and deaths serves as a sobering reminder of the grave responsibilities that come with being a pet owner.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), a staggering 55 cases of rabies nationwide, all resulting in deaths, have been reported in the first quarter of 2023 alone – an 8 percent increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, in January 2024, DOH recorded 7 cases of rabies across the country, which also resulted in a 100 percent fatality rate.
The statistics are alarming, with the disease's near-perfect fatality rate casting a dark shadow over the joy and companionship that pets bring into our lives.
However, this crisis also presents an opportunity for Filipinos to embrace a renewed commitment to responsible pet ownership, a pivotal step towards safeguarding not only the well-being of our beloved pets but also the health and safety of our families and communities.
At the heart of responsible pet ownership lies a fundamental understanding of the rabies virus and its transmission pathways. As the DOH highlights, the vast majority of human rabies cases, a staggering 93 percent from 2008 to 2023, can be traced back to animal bite incidents. This sobering fact underscores the critical importance of proper pet care, including regular vaccinations and adherence to strict safety protocols when interacting with stray or unfamiliar animals.
Responsible pet owners must prioritize the timely administration of anti-rabies vaccinations for their pets, a proactive measure that not only protects their pets, but also serves as a vital barrier against the spread of this deadly virus. By collaborating with veterinarians and adhering to recommended vaccination schedules, pet owners can play a pivotal role in creating a safer environment for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Moreover, responsible pet ownership extends beyond mere vaccination; it encompasses a holistic approach to animal welfare. This includes providing adequate shelter, nutrition, and access to veterinary care, as well as fostering a nurturing and enriching environment for our pets to thrive. By attending to their physical and emotional needs, we not only strengthen the sacred bond between pet and owner but also cultivate well-adjusted, healthy animals less likely to pose a threat to public health.
Education and awareness campaigns also hold the key to empowering Filipinos to become responsible pet owners. By disseminating knowledge about rabies transmission, preventive measures, and the importance of responsible pet ownership, we can inspire a collective shift towards a more vigilant and proactive approach to animal care.
Collaboration between government agencies, veterinary professionals, and community organizations can amplify these efforts, ensuring that every corner of the nation is equipped with the necessary tools and information to combat this deadly disease.
What are the signs and symptoms of rabies?
Rabies is a fatal infection caused by Lyssavirus following a bite or scratch of an infected animal. It can affect the central nervous system once the individual gets exposed to the virus. The worst case scenario is when the rabies infection rapidly reaches the spinal cord and travels to the brain which can cause neurological symptoms.
Health experts said individuals exposed to rabies must be wary of the incubation period or the time between exposure and the manifestation of symptoms.
Symptoms may vary depending on how far the location of the exposure site away from the brain and the existing immunity of individuals. Initial symptoms include:
- Fever and headache
- Neuropathic pain or itching and numbing sensation the site of the bite
- Loss of muscle sensation
- Hydrophobia or psychological fear of water
Meanwhile, there are also telltale signs of the presence of rabies in your pets:
- Sudden display of aggression
- Excessive salivation
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Death within 14 days after biting or scratching
It can take days, weeks, months or even years for the severe signs of rabies to appear on the human body and its clinical manifestations nearly always lead to fatal outcomes. The effect of rabies infection on animals is rather more aggressive because they do not typically survive long after contracting and transmitting the virus.
To prevent these from happening, it is best to let the anti-rabies jab do its job.
How are local governments joining the fight against rabies?
The city governments in the National Capital Region (NCR) offer different programs and services to help you realize your pet ownership goals.
“Bukod sa pagmamahal at pag-aaruga para sa ating mga alaga, tiyakin po natin na sila ay bakunado upang hindi mapahamak ang kanilang mga nakakasalamuha, bahagi po ito ng responsible pet ownership,” said Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan of the Caloocan City government.
(Aside from loving and caring for our pets, let us ensure that they are vaccinated to prevent them from harming the individuals they are encountering, this is part of responsible pet ownership).
Nurturing your pets can be a high maintenance task. Fortunately, you do not have to completely shoulder the cost of caring for them alone.
From March 1 to March 8, 2024, the local government of Caloocan is offering free anti-rabies vaccination for dogs and cats through the City Veterinary Department (CVD). The schedule, venue, and important reminders can be accessed here: bit.ly/AntiRabiesVaccination.
On the other hand, individuals who will be bitten or scratched by dogs or cats can go to any of the eight (8) Animal Bite Treatment Centers in the city which are open Monday to Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.
You can avail of free consultation, anti-rabies vaccine, and medicine in the following centers:
