THE Department of Agriculture is seriously looking into reports that cattle in the province of Marinduque have developed or had been infected with rabies.

“The latest ngayon ay sa Marinduque ay pati cattle, natatamaan. Pati wildlife. Kaya natatakot din yung mga beterinaryo na taga-Marinduque na nagsasabi na tumalon na sa cattle ang rabies,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Dante Palabrica said.

Likewise, he said that based on medical records, when an infected cattle is consumed by people, “As a veterinarian, pagka merong infection, we don’t talk about lulutuin yung aso o animal kasi that is against the policy ng government natin. If it is not cooked properly, just like any other diseases, it will move to the human. But as of now, it’s not that prevalent.”

The DA also said that there is huge importance in having having dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies.

“It is 100% fatal. However, it is 100% preventable through vaccination and the department is committed to strengthen this program,” Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano said.

“Sobrang dami na kasi ng animals, ng dogs and cats dito sa Pilipinas at napapabayaan nang walang injection ng [anti] rabies. At least man lang 40-50% of the livestock, of pets will be vaccinated. So DA now is preparing a budget for that. With the help of the LGU, mabakunahan ang dogs and cats,” Palabrica said.