BACOLOD City – Once again, the City Veterinary Office appealed to dog and cat owners to have their pets vaccinated against rabies.
Their vaccines are sufficient and may last until the first quarter of 2019, City Veterinarian Ma. Agueda Dela Torre said.
According to Dela Torre, their 1,000 vials of rabies vaccines may be used for 10,000 dogs and cats.
But some of the vaccines, which were provided by the Department of Agriculture, will expire this December, she said.
The City Veterinary Office has recently vaccinated dogs and cats in 61 barangays.
According to the office, it was able to vaccinate around 47,000 dogs and cats from January to September this year.
Dela Torre clarified that vaccination does not eradicate rabies risk among household dogs and cats but only minimizes it.
“For instance, a dog that has been vaccinated against rabies may still contract the virus through contact with an infected animal, but the risk will be minimal,” said the veterinarian.
The effect of the first dose for first-time animal vaccinees is good for only three months, Dela Torre said.
The City Veterinary Office recommends having vaccinated pets inoculated again after that period before they can have the annual dose./PN
