Boracay, Guimaras raise number of rabies-free islands to 14

MANILA, Philippines -- World famous Boracay in Aklan and Guimaras province were declared “rabies-free” by the Departments of Health and of Agriculture, raising the number of islands that have registered zero incidence of the fatal disease for at least three consecutive years to 14.

The declaration was made Friday, "World Rabies Day."

The other islands previously declared rabies-free are Siquijor, Batanes, Biliran, Camiguin, Marinduque, Limasawa, Camotes, Olimpia in Bais City and Apo, both in Negro Oriental, and Palawan’s Coron, Culion and Busuanga.

All these places effectively eliminated human and animal rabies, primarily by vaccinating 70 percent of the dog population and impounding strays.

"Rabies is considered as a neglected disease. That is because even if it is 100 percent fatal, it is also 100 percent preventable," Health Secretary Enrique Ona noted.

The disease " continues to be a significant public health problem that is responsible for 200 to 250 deaths annually,” he added. “In 2012, a total of 213 rabies cases and 414,553 animal bites were reported to the DOH."

For decades, said Ona, "effective and safe vaccines to prevent the disease in humans and animals have been available."

"Therefore, none of these deaths need have occurred if we had only made use of the tools necessary to prevent rabies from infecting and killing both humans and animals," he stressed.

He acknowledged that poverty and ignorance are the main obstacles to rabies prevention and elimination.

The Philippines hopes to eliminate rabies by 2020.

Rabies naturally affects only mammals and is transmitted to humans and between animals through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. In the Philippines, dog bites are responsible for 87 percent of human transmission.

Its initial symptoms include fever, pain or unusual or unexplained tingling and burning sensations or pricking at the site of the wound. When the virus spreads to the central nervous system, it could lead to the fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cords.

Region 4-A reported the most number of human rabies cases (37); followed by Region 1 (22); Region 3 (20); Region 2 (19) and Region 12 and Region 9 (18 cases each).

"The key to successful rabies elimination rests on combined efforts of effective dog vaccination program as part of responsible pet ownership and human vaccination after rabies exposure from rabid dog bites," Ona said.

Dog vaccination is mandatory under Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies  Act of 2007.

Ona said immunizing a dog ever year costs only P20 compared to P1,500 for vaccinating a person bitten by a dog.

source: interaksyon.com

Life with the friendliest dog in the world

Vodka, my Bichon Frise, started to own me the day I saw her. I could not leave the home where I found her until I had her with me.  That was two years ago. Vodka celebrates her second birthday on Aug. 16.

I guess it is because she is my baby. This is not to say that I don’t love all my pet companions. I live with five cats, which I have picked up on my regular runs in the village where I live. I also have four other doggie companions. Each of them I love in unique ways.

We feast on cake, vanilla ice cream and loads of barks and lots of licks. You see, as far as I am concerned, living with pets is just like living with people — just more fun, love-filled and relaxing. Where in the world would I get to come home to five doggies who are so excited to see me enter the door?

But, Vodka, like any baby, always has a ready smile for me when I get home, and she loves to cuddle, just because. In truth, my doggy companions don’t know they are not human.

Aside from Vodka, my pet companions are named Tasha, Nik, Yuri, and Gorby.  My five cats are Pepsi, Spotty, Bunny, Garfield and Snowy. And I might add my newest additions Kuting and Frances, who I picked up off the streets a few weeks ago.

I have read often enough that pet companions make the life of humans better. This I have learned for real.  Why do humans with pets like me do the strangest things for our pet companions? Let me share with you a few reasons:



1. Pets reduce stress and depression. When you reach middle age and menopause starts to set in, there is nothing like owning a dog or dogs that are devoted to you. My dogs always make me laugh because they do the funniest things and that keeps stress and depression at bay.

2. I have read that pets are good for the elderly. No, I am not yet among the elderly, but in midlife I truly welcome the undivided love and attention my doggies give me.

3. Pets give us bigger hearts. Pets open our hearts to offering kindness to all we meet — after all, my pets are always kind to me. And I believe that if we are given kindness, we need to give kindness back.

4. Pets are the best company. If you are single, like I am, chances are you spend lots of time alone. Owning a pet keeps the loneliness at bay.

5. I have met so many people because of my pets. Whenever I take Vodka with me, I am sure to meet a few new people because they want to meet Vodka. In the neighborhood where I live, I get to meet lots of people, too, more so if they are walking their dogs in the morning. I stop for people with dogs.

I’ve met a lot of people whom I may not have liked, but I have never met a dog that I did not like. I guess that’s because dogs put on no masks, no pretensions. They never try to impress me — they always just are and that makes them all the more lovable.

If only people were the same way.

source: philstar.com

Are pets good for your finances?

According to Dr James Griffin, a scientist at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in the United States, having a canine companion or a feline friend provides us with a “source of comfort and developing empathy”.

Previous studies have suggested that owning a pet helps to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and fight depression.

But are pets good for you in a financial sense?




Well, it seems the answer is both yes and no.

Pets can be expensive. On top of providing them with food and the odd play item such a bone or squeaky toy, you also have to consider the cost of veterinary care if something goes wrong

Vet bills have risen incredibly in recent years and the cost of something quite routine for Rover or Rusty could tip you off the edge of a financial cliff.

Major issues are even more on the pocket as well as the heart.

A study conducted by the RSPCA last year found that an emergency operation on dog can cost more than £4,000, while care for a cat injured in a car accident can weigh in around £1,500 without aftercare and future surgeries.

According to the study, 26 per cent of uninsured pet owners put off taking their pet to the vet because they fear the costs involved. This move could lead to the animal’s health problems worsening and it is likely to lead to further costs down the line or even a loss of the pet.

A solution to this problem is to take out an insurance policy. Yes that’s another expense, but it will provide with piece of mind and will more than pay for itself if god forbid something does happen to your furry friend.

An average pet policy will set you back somewhere the region of £100 a year, a sum which is less than most people spend buying newspapers.

Getting one set up is also quick and easy as it can be done either over the phone (or should be called the dog and bone in this case?) or via the internet.

Now, after reading about all these expenses which come with owning a pet, you’ll probably wondering where the financial benefits lay.

Well, they come in the form of things you possibly haven’t given much consideration to.

For example, owning a dog can often mean that you can get away with spending less on your home security. Dogs are very loyal and territorial animals and will defend their owner’s property with all their might.

This doesn’t mean you need to have a big and vicious dog either, as even the most soft and loving pooch can be enough to scare off anyone who might consider breaking into your property.

Indeed, studies have found that burglars stay away from homes where they can hear a dog barking.

Another financial benefit comes from the physical exercise pets can provide you with. Yes, you won’t get much exercise out of owning a gerbil or even a cat for that matter, but dogs are fantastic companions for people looking to get themselves in shape.

Each day your dog will need to be taken out for a walk and while this may seem a like a chore, it is also doing you some good. On top of that, if you can get your dog to enjoy a light run with you it could mean that you no longer need to pay for that expensive gym membership.

This article was produced by Debt Free Direct who provides help with debt management, consolidation and bankruptcy. If you are having problems with debt then don’t hesitate to get touch or visit us online.

source: everythingfinanceblog.com

What to do if you have to evacuate - or leave behind - your pets

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), swamped with calls for help to rescue pets and farm animals left behind by their owners amidst evacuation efforts, has issued some reminders amidst the floods besieging Luzon.

As much as possible, evacuate with your pets. But if this is not possible, make sure they are not restrained or tied down in any way.

Keep your pets untethered, unchained, uncaged if floodwaters start rising. This way, they can swim to safety if you're busy saving your family or things, or you have to be evacuated.

Palangganas or plastic basins can help you move your animals around and maneuver them in the flood as you evacuate.

Always keep a plastic kennel cab handy in case you need to “pack” your animals quickly and ride a boat.

Keep ready other emergency items for animals such as kibble in airtight containers and bottled water.

If you have to leave your animals, leave a note by the doorway or wherever it could be posted about the number of animals inside the house and your contact information so that rescuers can find you.

Leave food and water for your pets.

Keep a collar or tag on your pets that contains your contact information.

Start a buddy system with someone in your neighborhood, so that they will check on your animals during a disaster in case you aren't home.

source: interaksyon.com