Anti-rabies campaign launched
MANILA, Philippines - Rabies results in an estimate of 200 to 300 deaths among Filipinos every year, affecting children from the age of five to 14 years old. To address this health problem, Republic Act 9482, known as the Anti-Rabies Act, was passed in 2007.
The Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC), the Makati City local government and the Pet Food Institute have initiated activities to raise awareness and educate Filipinos on the danger of the rabies virus.
The AWC works together with the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry and the Department of Health in initiating anti-rabies programs in the entire country under the National Rabies Prevention and Control Committee.
Through its Veterinary Services Office (VSO), Makati City has joined the fight to eliminate rabies by year 2020. The city has implemented a rabies vaccination for cats and dogs, an animal population control program for cats and dogs, as well as a responsible pet ownership awareness program through lectures and interaction seminars in its barangays.
It is expanding its reach to students in schools within the city. The Makati City VSO recently launched its mascot at the Ayala Triangle area at Paseo de Roxas. Its mascot, Bantay, a mixed breed dog, will be the ambassador for animals and a society that is free from diseases like rabies.
There was also a pet blessing as a culminating activity for the celebration of World Rabies Day, World Animal Day and the Feast of St. Francis, patron saint of animals.
Pet Food Institute, representing the US pet food industry, is an advocate for the promotion of care and well being of pets, proper pet feeding and pet care as well as the promotion of responsible pet ownership. PFI is developing educational materials in partnership with AWC for the promotion of proper pet nutrition, responsible pet ownership, including information on rabies, its prevention, management of rabies bites, and a listing of accredited government hospitals where rabies vaccines are available for free.
