MALOLOS CITY – The Bulacan provincial government is targeting at least 300,000 dogs for its massive free vaccination this year after 19 persons died of rabies last year.
Bulacan is also giving away free anti-rabies vaccines to victims of animal bite in an attempt to prevent new cases of deaths due to rabies.
Dr. Voltaire Basinang, acting provincial veterinary officer of Bulacan, said the Department of Agriculture in Central Luzon has provided 16 personnel to augment their anti-rabies vaccinating teams in reaching their target.
He said that there are at least 300,000 dogs in the province that need to be vaccinated within the year.
“Our initial target is to vaccinate at least 80 percent of the total estimated dog population in the province, but it could be more,” Basinang said.
He added that the free vaccination program came after the province registered the highest number of rabies related deaths in the country last year with 19 confirmed victims based on the Department of Health (DEOH) report.
At present, he said that they have vaccinated over 6,000 dogs in the towns of Bustos, Baliuag, Pandi, Guiguinto, and Calumpit.
“We are looking forward to completing vaccination at San Jose Del Monte City this week, then we will proceed to other towns which are included in our priority critical areas,” he said.
Other priority critical areas are San Rafael, San Miguel, Meycauayan City, Malolos City, San Ildefonso, Norzagaray, Donya Remedios Trinidad, Marilao, Bocaue, Pulilan, Sta. Maria, Paombiong and Plaridel.
Basinang also said that those towns and cities were included in the priority and critical areas due to confirmed reports of rabies.
“The best way to stop rabies is to stop it at source by vaccinating dogs,” he said noting that every dosage of vaccine is good for a year.
Basinang also called for further support from local officials and dog owners in order to fast track their mission.
“We need local officials’ support by disseminating information to their constituents; and for the down owners to keep their dogs and bath them a day before we come to their place because it usually takes longer to vaccinate dogs if the owners still have to catch their pet,” he said.
While conducting vaccinations, Basinang said that they are also distributing leaflets to local residents on responsible pet ownership.
“It’s just a simple reminder that they should treat their pets as part of their family, because if they will not take care of their pets and let them lose roaming around, it becomes a nuisance to the community,” Basinang said.
Earlier, the provincial health office announced giving away free anti-rabies vaccines to victims of animal bite.
Dr. Joycelyn Gomez of the provincial public health office said that increasing number of human deaths due to rabies can be traced to lack of treatment.
She said that many victims of animal bite took it for granted at first, and then they usually consult local albularyo or tawaks.
“They must consult immediately with health professional because rabies is a serious disease and can cause death, a painful death,” Gomez said.
Bulacan is also giving away free anti-rabies vaccines to victims of animal bite in an attempt to prevent new cases of deaths due to rabies.
Dr. Voltaire Basinang, acting provincial veterinary officer of Bulacan, said the Department of Agriculture in Central Luzon has provided 16 personnel to augment their anti-rabies vaccinating teams in reaching their target.
He said that there are at least 300,000 dogs in the province that need to be vaccinated within the year.
“Our initial target is to vaccinate at least 80 percent of the total estimated dog population in the province, but it could be more,” Basinang said.
He added that the free vaccination program came after the province registered the highest number of rabies related deaths in the country last year with 19 confirmed victims based on the Department of Health (DEOH) report.
At present, he said that they have vaccinated over 6,000 dogs in the towns of Bustos, Baliuag, Pandi, Guiguinto, and Calumpit.
“We are looking forward to completing vaccination at San Jose Del Monte City this week, then we will proceed to other towns which are included in our priority critical areas,” he said.
Other priority critical areas are San Rafael, San Miguel, Meycauayan City, Malolos City, San Ildefonso, Norzagaray, Donya Remedios Trinidad, Marilao, Bocaue, Pulilan, Sta. Maria, Paombiong and Plaridel.
Basinang also said that those towns and cities were included in the priority and critical areas due to confirmed reports of rabies.
“The best way to stop rabies is to stop it at source by vaccinating dogs,” he said noting that every dosage of vaccine is good for a year.
Basinang also called for further support from local officials and dog owners in order to fast track their mission.
“We need local officials’ support by disseminating information to their constituents; and for the down owners to keep their dogs and bath them a day before we come to their place because it usually takes longer to vaccinate dogs if the owners still have to catch their pet,” he said.
While conducting vaccinations, Basinang said that they are also distributing leaflets to local residents on responsible pet ownership.
“It’s just a simple reminder that they should treat their pets as part of their family, because if they will not take care of their pets and let them lose roaming around, it becomes a nuisance to the community,” Basinang said.
Earlier, the provincial health office announced giving away free anti-rabies vaccines to victims of animal bite.
Dr. Joycelyn Gomez of the provincial public health office said that increasing number of human deaths due to rabies can be traced to lack of treatment.
She said that many victims of animal bite took it for granted at first, and then they usually consult local albularyo or tawaks.
“They must consult immediately with health professional because rabies is a serious disease and can cause death, a painful death,” Gomez said.
