In celebration of “World Rabies Day”, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, headed by Dr. Gerald C. Montierro, OIC for the agency in collaboration with  other agencies such as the Department of Health and the Provincial Government held a symposium on “Batas Rabis and RA9482” last 27 September 2011.

                Despite the bad weather brought about by Typhoon “Pedring”, it has not dampened the spirits of the various Municipal Agriculturists and Livestock Inspectors, as well as other health workers,  12 from District 3 and 4 from District 4 to congregate at the Bulwagang Kalilayan in Lucena City to attend the symposium.

                The Rabies Act of 2007 or RA 9482, a law passed to provide for the Control and Elimination of Human and Animal Rabies, implemented by a Multi-Agency Committee chaired by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for controlling and eliminating rabies in the country.

Among the RA 9482 activities are:  

1. Mass vaccination of dogs;
2.   Establishment of a central database system for registered and vaccinated dogs;
3. Impounding and disposition of unregistered and stray dogs;
4. Information and Education Campaign on the Prevention and Control of Rabies;
5. Pre-exposure treatment to high-risk personnel;
6. Free routine immunization of school children aged 5-14; and
7. Practice of Responsible Pet Ownership.

During the symposium the following topics were discussed:

1. Status of Animal Vaccination in Quezon Province by Dr. Gerald Montierro who declares that Mass Vaccinations are on-going in accordance to RA 9482.
2. Status of Human Rabies Cases/ Animal Bites in Quezon Province by Ms. Ellen de Guzman from the Integrated Provincial Health Office. Cases of human rabies have decreased from 10 down to 3 cases in 2011 and efforts are underway to still lessen the incidence of human cases.
3.  RA 9482 was discussed by Dr. Fatima M. Ocampo from the Quezon Extension Office of Center for Health and Development (CHD IV-A).
4. Dr. Ramir Cruz discussed “Cold Chain Management” pointing out the proper handling and storage of vaccines and samples. And
5. The Implementation of RA 9482 by Tayabas City was presented by City Veterinarian Dr. Isagani Requizo discussing the city’s efforts in curbing the incidence of rabies.

The symposium ended on a positive note and all participants was encouraged to intensify their efforts and advocacy in controlling and eliminating the spread of rabies and thus, protecting the public from this dangerous virus.