(RABIES PREVENTION. Japanese delegates are assisted by city veterinarian Dr. Ryan Paul Manlapaz during their visit at the City of San Fernando’s dog pound facility to conduct tests and observations for the development of innovative diagnostic methods for rabies. Contributed Photo)
Delegates from Japan, in cooperation with the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, visited the City of San Fernando’s dog pound facility to conduct tests and observations for the development of innovative diagnostic methods for rabies.
Dr. Satoshi Inoue from the Department of Veterinary Science National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Dr. Chun-Ho, Park from the School of Veterinary Medicine of Kitasato University said the city is among the pioneer LGUs they have visited for the conduct of a Rapid Immunochromatographic Test (ICT) in the Philippines. This is a new procedure to detect rabies virus through dog whiskers—long, coarse hairs protruding from a dog’s muzzle, jaw and above the eyes.
In an interview, City Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Paul Manlapaz said the Rapid ICT is conveniently feasible compared to the direct microscopic examination that is currently practiced in the Philippines which also requires animal euthanasia.
“Sa ngayon kasi kailangan muna nating patayin ang aso na nangagat bago natin malaman kung may rabies ito. Pero sa bagong test na dinedevelop ng Japan kahit hindi patayin ang aso basta makuhanan ito ng whisker ay pwede ng i-test,” he furthered.
Manlapaz also highlighted that the new test can provide fast and more reliable results.
“Kadalasan, umaabot ng dalawang araw bago malaman ang resulta doon sa microscopic exam, pero kapag Rapid ICT na ang ginawa natin, in less than an hour, pwede ng ma-detect kung may rabies o wala ang isang hayop,” he explained.
It could be remembered that in 2018, the Philippine government asked the assistance of Japan for the establishment of a rabies prevention and treatment network model in its quest to become a rabies-free country by 2020.
Meanwhile, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago encouraged the Fernandinos to support the rabies prevention and control program of the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO) and avail the free services they offer.
“Rabies continues to be a public health problem that’s why we continue to strengthen our programs to eradicate it. The CAVO provides free vaccination, deworming and check-up for pets and also regularly conducts dog impounding operations in all 35 barangays of the City,” he said.
