ILOILO City – The city government has strengthened its rabies prevention efforts by vaccinating 753 dogs and cats across six barangays in the City Proper district during the first week of March.
From March 5 to 7, the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCV) carried out a free rabies vaccination campaign in the villages of General Hughes (90 pets vaccinated), Monica-Blumentritt (78), Zamora-Melliza (98), Sto. Rosario-Duran (81), Concepcion (181), and Veteran’s Village (225).
Dr. Fernando Abulencia, head of OCV, emphasized the importance of rabies prevention, noting that the initiative is part of the city’s larger commitment to public health and animal welfare.
“Rabies remains a serious concern. Under the guidance of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, we are strengthening our rabies program through vaccination, spaying and neutering, and awareness campaigns,” Dr. Abulencia said.
This campaign is part of the observance of Rabies Awareness Month, which carries the theme “Rabies-free na pusa’t aso, kaligtasan ng pamilyang Pilipino.”
The Department of Agriculture Western Visayas, through veterinarian Dr. Pacifico Lumauag III, also contributed vaccines and medical supplies.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is typically contracted through bites or scratches from infected animals, especially dogs.
The virus is spread through saliva, and once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal.
To prevent rabies, pet owners should ensure their pets are vaccinated and avoid contact with wild animals.
In the event of a suspected rabies case, swift action is required to secure the area and inform pet owners of the necessary precautions.
Dr. Abulencia urged pet owners to take responsibility, stressing that unvaccinated pets are the primary carriers of rabies.
“Rabies isn’t seasonal; it’s preventable. But when there’s a suspected case, we act swiftly to secure the area and inform pet owners of the necessary precautions,” he said./PN
