Provincial Veterinary Office to launch medical missions and anti-rabies vaccination
CITY OF MALOLOS- Medical missions for dogs and cats as well as anti-rabies vaccinations in different areas in the province of Bulacan are set to be spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) for the whole year.
In a bid to provide free veterinary services to the Bulakenyos, Provincial Vet Dr. Voltaire Basinang said the PVO will conduct medical missions in Santa Maria on March 14, Paombong in July, and Marilao which date will be announced later. These services include free castration and spaying for cats and dogs, anti-rabies vaccination as well as anti-mange, and free consultation of pets.
Dr. Emmanuel Francisco of the PVO said that PVO targets to vaccinate 200,000 dogs for the whole year of 2017 through this program. In 2016, they were able to vaccinate 176,963 pets which is equivalent to 80% of their vaccination coverage.
“Lilibutin naman natin ang buong Bulacan kaya lahat ng mga bayan na nais din ng ganitong serbisyo, pwedeng mag-request para mapuntahan sila sa pinaka-convenient time nila,” Dr. Francisco of the PVO said.
He said that this is in line with the observance of the Rabies Awareness Month, which is anchored on the theme “Rabies Iwasan, Alaga’y Pabakunahan” and they are planning to carry out the vaccinations in two batches and will be conducted in March and April and in September and October.
According to the PVO, there are 12 reported human deaths due to rabies while 17 positive cases of rabies infected animals were recorded which were all confirmed by laboratory examination last year.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said this is part of the health program of the PGB.
The governor said that pre-exposure prophylaxis, a vaccine for those living or working in areas with a high risk of exposure to rabies, is provided by the Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) as well as the first two vaccinations for the post-exposure prophylaxis, a vaccine for humans bitten or scratched by animals.
Alvarado added that the PGB has been continuously exerting efforts to decrease the number of rabies-related cases in the province while reminding pet owners to be responsible and have their pets vaccinated every year.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects domestic and wild animals. The virus can spread to humans through bites or scratches, usually via saliva and is almost fatal once symptoms or clinical signs appear.