LA UNION VETS EQUIPPED WITH PROPER RABIES HANDLING
By: Ferdinand P. Buccat and Romuelda C. Mañgaser Photo By: GPC-OPVet Date: May 10, 2019
Dra. Sta Fe L. Palpal, Dra. Romuelda Mañgaser and Dra. Raquel P. Difuntorum of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian undergo hands-on training on Animal Rabies Diagnosis at Regional Animal Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory at Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan from May 6-10, 2019. The training aimed to further equip personnel in handling rabies cases in the province.
To be further equipped in handling rabies cases in the province, Dr. Santa Fe L. Palpal, Dr. Raquel P. Difuntorum and Dr. Romuelda C. Mañgaser of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian attended a training on Animal Rabies Detection at Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL), Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan on May 6-10, 2019.
The training equipped the participants with skills in conducting Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test (DFAT). The DFAT is used to check for the presence of rabies virus antigens in brain tissues of animals. The training also included a hands-on training on microscopic detection of said virus.
The training was attended by the three Veterinarians in preparation for the opening of the La Union Provincial Rabies Diagnostic Laboratory which will be under the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian. This is to monitor the status of rabies cases in the province and to minimize the effort and expenses of the people in bringing the dead animal or its head to the RADDL in Pangasinan and Cordillera.
Rabies is a viral illness spread via the saliva of an infected animal. The Department of Health envisions to declare Philippines Rabies-Free by year 2022. Thus, the opening of the La Union Provincial Rabies Diagnostic Laboratory will be of great help in achieving this vision in the province.
