DA monitoring rabies infection among cattle in Marinduque

The Department of Agriculture has received reports that cattle in the province of Marinduque have been infected with rabies.

“The latest ngayon ay sa Marinduque ay pati cattle, natatamaan. Pati wildlife. Kaya natatakot din yung mga beterinaryo na taga-Marinduque na nagsasabi na tumalon na sa cattle ang rabies,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Dante Palabrica told reporters in an ambush interview.

[The latest we have is that even cattle in Marinduque are being hit, including wildlife. That's why veterinarians are getting afraid, saying cattle are infected with rabies.]

When asked what would happen if an infected cattle is consumed by people, Palabrica replied, “As a veterinarian, pagka merong infection, we don’t talk about lulutuin yung aso o animal kasi that is against the policy ng government natin. If it is not cooked properly, just like any other diseases, it will move to the human. But as of now, it’s not that prevalent.”

[As a veterinarian, if there is an infection, we don't talk about cooking a dog or an animal because that is against government policy.]

The DA emphasized the importance of having dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies.

“It is 100% fatal. However, it is 100% preventable through vaccination and the department is committed to strengthen this program,” Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano said.

“Sobrang dami na kasi ng animals, ng dogs and cats dito sa Pilipinas at napapabayaan nang walang injection ng [anti] rabies. At least man lang 40-50% of the livestock, of pets will be vaccinated. So DA now is preparing a budget for that. With the help of the LGU, mabakunahan ang dogs and cats,” Palabrica said.

[There are many animals ... dogs and cats here in the Philippines and not being injected with anti-rabies. We hope to have at least 40-50 percent of the livestock, of pets will be vaccinated.]

March has been designated as Rabies Awareness Month but Palabrica said the disease spreads all throughout the year.

“It’s present even if it’s rainy, summer. Ang problem is that hindi nabigyan ng importansiya ito kaya ang namamatay ngayon ay, base sa statistics reported, isang Pinoy isang araw ang namamatay,” he explained.

[The problem is that it is being ignored, so that based on reported statistics, one Filipino die everyday.]

In case a human is bitten or scratched by an animal already vaccinated against rabies, Palabrica still advises that the human get anti-rabies shots.

“I would suggest na magpaturok din ang tao, kasi you don’t know. Buhay ito eh. Siyempre, 'pag kinagat, huhugasan lahat but you better go to the doctor. There is no vaccine that will claim 100% protection. Eh kung nandoon ka sa percentage na bumigay yung aso? Yun ang kumagat sa ‘yo, Epekto na yon. Tulad nung issue ni Killua sa Bicol. Pinatay, saka lang nalaman na may rabies,” Palabrica added.

[I would suggest that they still have to be injected. If one is bitten, the wound should be cleaned but you better go to the doctor. There is no vaccine that will claim 100% protection. What if a dog who bit died? Just like in the Killua issue in Bicol. The dog was killed and eventually, it was found out that it had rabies.] — RSJ, GMA Integrated News