April 5, 2024

Philippines' Department of Agriculture pacifies concerns over rabies cases in cattle and pigs

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) recently allayed fears over reported cases of rabies among cattle and pigs in the country's Marinduque and Pampanga provinces.

In an interview, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Constante Dante Palabrica said although the reported cases may be a cause for concern, provincial veterinarians are closely monitoring the situation on the ground.

According to the DA, recent reports in Marinduque include three cases of rabies among cattle and six cases of rabies among pigs, while around 20 cows in Pampanga were reported infected in 2023 due to rabid dog bites. Palabrica, however, stressed that it doesn't happen naturally to animals.

Meanwhile, the DA is conducting stringent monitoring of the possible transmission of rabies to wildlife.

Palabrica also underscored the urgency to ensure vaccination among dogs and cats to avoid rabies transmission to animals and humans, which is highly fatal.

Although there is no reported negative effect on individuals who consumed meat from one of the infected cows in Marinduque, he said that it would be better to avoid its consumption.

Palabrica added that affected animals should be buried for disposal to prevent possible spread through consumption.

- PNA