LRC tackles rabies awareness, essential vax for pets in seminar

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) tackled rabies awareness and essential vaccinations for pets at the second learning session of its Animal-Assisted Education (AAE) Seminar Series on September 9, 2024, at the LRC office.

Dr. Reuter King Bernardo, a veterinarian and an alumnus of the UPLB College of Veterinary Medicine discussed the myths and facts about rabies.

He debunked myths such as kittens and puppies being born with rabies. He elaborated on the causes, symptoms, and transmission of rabies, and emphasized the importance of knowing the immediate signs and necessary precautions for rabies in household pets.

He reminded pet owners of their responsibility to keep themselves and their pets rabies-free.

Bernardo also provided the participants with a summary of essential vaccinations for household pets from their infancy to adulthood.

He stressed the importance of the anti-rabies vaccine, which should be given to pets every year as mandated by Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007.

According to Bernardo, the majority of rabies cases are contracted by dogs, making responsible pet ownership critical for minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus.

He also discussed the penalties for one who is found guilty of not giving their pets the required anti-rabies vaccine.
The World Health Organization reported that rabies kills 60,000-70,000 people annually and that the Philippines ranks sixth among countries with the highest rabies cases.

Bernardo enjoined pet owners to have their pets vaccinated against rabies every year and for a person to undergo prompt post-exposure prophylaxis through thorough hand washing and getting anti-rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulins if needed.

He also stressed the importance of doing due diligence before acquiring pets, purchasing from reputable sources, and having pets vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian.

Bernardo brought to the seminar three of his “Glacial Fire Samoyeds,” Mai, Zuko, and Katara who have won championships in various dog competitions in the Philippines. Zuko has been considered as the top dog of his breed in the country.

The session was attended by UPLB students who are themselves pet owners and enthusiasts. AAE coordinator, Joshua Michael Jonas, facilitated the session.

LRC Director Mariyel Hiyas Liwanag thanked Dr. Bernardo for sharing his time and expertise with LRC and for promoting his advocacy of a rabies-free Philippines with such dedication.

The AAE Seminar Series is part of LRC’s AAE Program implemented in partnership with the UPLB BARKada at CATropa Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) Program of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs to promote awareness and provide knowledge on AAI. The next session will tackle dog sports in the country.