MARCH is Rabies Awareness Month in accordance with Republic Act 9482 which was signed into law on May 25, 2007. The observance aims to strengthen awareness on the prevention, control, and management of rabies. This year’s theme “Barangay Kaagapay, Laban sa Rabies Tagumpay” urges Local Government Units (LGUs), especially the barangays, to do their part in fighting rabies which is responsible for the death of 300 to 400 Filipinos annually. Led by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry in cooperation with the Department of Health, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Education, the activities for this year include an information campaign on rabies through streamer displays in front of municipal halls, city halls, provincial halls and barangay halls; and uploading the campaign materials in the LGUs’ official social media accounts. The whole month, government agencies and non-government organizations all over the country will conduct rabies vaccination. Rabies is a viral disease caused by a Lyssavirus which is transmitted to human beings through the saliva following a bite or scratch by rabid animals. It is said that contact with the mucous membrane or an open wound can also spread the virus. It affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. The early signs of rabies include flu-like fever, muscle weakness, and tingling. An infected person may develop the symptoms a few days after the bite or it can take 6 years before the symptoms appear. As the infection progresses into furious rabies symptoms may appear such as insomnia, agitation, anxiety, aggressiveness, muscle spasms, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, abnormal thoughts, excess salivation, difficulty in swallowing, and fear of water. When not given immediate and proper medical attention, paralytic rabies may develop and the infected person may suffer paralysis, seizure, coma, and eventually die. The signs of rabies include foaming of saliva in the mouth, erratic behavior such as aloofness and depression. Paralysis in animals is characterized by abnormal facial expression, drooping head, and sagging jaws. In furious rabies, an animal gnaws and bites its own limbs and may attack other animals and stationary objects. Once bitten by an animal, the first thing to do is to clean the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water. Professional medical help should be sought immediately. Critical components of rabies prevention and control are vaccinations of household pets, along with immediate medical care for persons who are exposed to rabies. Let us do our share in making the Philippines rabies-free by 2020. Be responsible pet owners