Agri-10 delivers free anti-rabies vaccination under ‘Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat’

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (Agri-10), through its Integrated Laboratory Division (ILD), supported the Office of the President’s “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” initiative by conducting a free anti-rabies vaccination drive today, September 14, at the Agri-10 Compound, here.

Spearheaded by the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL), the activity provided free anti-rabies vaccination to healthy dogs and cats aged three months and older, giving pet owners an accessible way to protect their animals and families from the threat of rabies.

The activity was also conducted as part of the September 28 observance of World Rabies Day, which promotes rabies prevention, responsible pet ownership, and public health and awareness.

Oryza Kristy B. Baylo, DVM, OIC-Chief of the ILD of DA-10, said the vaccination activity further formed part of the Bureau of Animal Industry’s (BAI) participation in the Handog ng Pangulo initiative, with rabies vaccination among the animal health services being made available to communities.

Similar animal health services, including deworming and other interventions, were also being offered by Provincial Veterinary Offices (PVETs) in their respective areas. Spay and castration activities, meanwhile, were being lined up separately as part of the observance of Animal Welfare Month in October, depending on available resources and schedules.

Baylo emphasized that pets should be in good health before receiving the anti-rabies vaccine.

“Generally, [kung] magbakuna ta, dapat healthy gyud [atong mga binuhi]. Kay during man gud sa pagbakuna, ma-stress man gud ang hayop. So, kung stress na siya daan, or naa na siyay sakit daan, mas mahimong stressful para sa hayop. Dili man pud maayo nga magbakuna ta sa kanang [naa’y] sakit. Basig dili siya mag-build up og immunity,” she said.

For the minimum vaccination age, Baylo explained:

“Three months ang rule kay ang mga one-month or two-month-old nga mga puppy or kittens, naa pa man gud na sila’y makuha nga maternal anti-body gikan sa ilang inahan, labaw na kung vaccinated ang ilang mama,” Baylo said.

“By three months, mo-anam-anam na siya’g gamay [ang maternal antibody protection], so diha na sad nato siya bakunahan para mosaka na pod ang ilang resistensya,” she added.

Baylo advised pet owners to closely observe their animals for any adverse reactions, allow them sufficient rest, and avoid bathing them for three to five days after vaccination.

“Nakita nako sa Facebook kagabii nga naa’y vaccination diri, mao to nga gidala nako akong tulo ka iring. Nalipay ko kay nag-offer ang DA og libre nga anti-rabies” said Monina C. Ebarle, a pet owner from Brgy. Corrales, CdeO City.

Ebarle also encouraged other pet owners to avail of similar services whenever available.

“Hinaut unta ang uban nga naa’y mga buhi nga iring ug iro maka-avail sila ani kay importante man gud nga ma-vaccinate atong mga pets para malikayan ang rabies ug maprotektahan pud ang atong pamilya,” she added.

Agri-10 further reiterated for pet owners to have their animals vaccinated regularly, practice responsible pet care, and consult veterinary professionals for appropriate vaccination schedules and post-vaccination guidance.# (JLPC)