South Cotabato, Philippines – Dr. Errol B. Javier, DVM, Veterinarian III at the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, stressed that dogs are not born with rabies. He aimed to clear up misconceptions about rabies in Koronadal City.
“Rabies is not natural in dogs. They are not born with it,” Dr. Javier explained. “A dog only becomes infected if it comes into contact with a rabid animal.” (Technically, ang rabies infection hindi ina natural sa ido. Hindi na siya inborn nga pag siling naton nga pagkabuhi sang ido may rabies siya dayon. May ara lang siya sang rabies if makacontact siya sa infected).
He further clarified that the belief that puppies carry a higher concentration of rabies is a myth.
“There is a myth that puppies have a higher concentration of rabies, but this is not true. Rabies infection is neither innate nor natural in dogs,” (May ara sang ‘myth’ nga ina kunong mga totoy mas taas ang iya rabies nga concentration – it’s not true. Ang rabies infection indi siya innate or natural sa ido), he said.
When asked if immediate vaccination is needed after a dog bite, Dr. Javier said it depends on the situation. He stressed the importance of observation.
“Since rabies infection isn’t visible, we advise bite victims to go immediately to the Animal Bite Center,” he said.
He recommended observing the dog for 10 to 14 days, the period when rabies symptoms typically appear, to determine if the animal is infected.
Dr. Javier clarified that a dog bite does not necessarily transmit rabies. “Infection occurs only when a wound is exposed to a rabid animal,” he explained.
He advised the public to be extra careful if unsure.
“If in doubt, confine the dog, wash the wound well, and observe the animal,”(You might do as well nga if ga duda ka – kulongon ang ido, hugasan sang maayo tung nakagatan, kag obserbahan ang ido), Dr. Javier said.
The Provincial Veterinary Office reminds residents that vaccination, responsible pet ownership, and prompt medical consultation are key to preventing rabies.
