Provincial Veterinary Office holds rabies quiz bee on World Rabies Day

By Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco

LAOAG CITY, Oct. 3 (PIA) — On its sixth installment, the Provincial Veterinary Office of Ilocos Norte staged the Provincial Rabies and One Health Quiz Bee as part of the celebration of World Rabies Day.

The competition aims to instill awareness among elementary schoolchildren and inform them of common diseases such as rabies, dengue, and helminthiasis.

“This also serves as our info drive in helping pupils understand about taking care of their pets and what to do before, during, and after an encounter with a rabies-infected dog,” Dr. Loida Valenzuela, provincial veterinarian, said.

Over 150 pupils from various elementary schools in Laoag City, with one representative from each grade level, went through the easy, average, and difficult rounds highlighting information on rabies and health.

In the end, Shamrock Elementary School garnered the most points, besting 27 competing schools.
“Competitions like this are raised for these children na madagdagan pa ang kaalaman nila on rabies and health,” Valenzuela said.

Since 2013, the province attained zero rabies cases for humans and canine species. However, this year, the office has reported one case of rabies in human patient.

Valenzuela vows to intensify its campaign for dog vaccination, in coordination with local government units, communities, schools, and private sectors for widest dissemination and action.

This year’s celebration of World Rabies Day, which is celebrated on September 28, comes with the theme “Share the message. Save a life.” (Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco/PIA-1, Ilocos Norte)