VACCINATE PETS VS RABIES (July 11, 2024 Press Release from Iloilo City PIO)
Iloilo City Animal Welfare Ordinance approved by the City Council on July 3 stipulates that there should be a Rabies Prevention and Control Program to be implemented by the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCV).
This mandates the mass vaccination of dogs and cats; establishment of a central database system for registered and vaccinated pets; and impounding, field control, and disposition of unregistered, stray, and unvaccinated ones.
As of June 30 this year, a total of 23, 865 dogs and cats were vaccinated in 115 villages out of 180 barangays or 53% of the estimated 45, 000 pet population in the metro.
OCV stressed the city-wide rabies vaccination program is conducted to prevent and manage rabies cases.
Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office 6 reminds anew of the goal of having zero rabies deaths by 2030, as it warns that rabies infection remains a public health concern in Western Visayas.
DOH-6 Rabies Program Manager Ms. Ame Liz Mardoquio said that rabies control measures are successful and effective by taking more proactive measures.
“We encourage the local government units to shift focus. There should be proper enforcement of a local ordinance, responsible pet ownership, and animal vaccination,” she added.
“Rabies is 100 percent vaccine-preventable; whether it is a bite, lick, or scratch, you have to go to an animal bite treatment center,” said Dr. Marie Jocelyn J. Te, head of DOH-6 Infectious Disease Unit.
City Health Office is managing three Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABC) in Sto. Rosario in City Proper, La Paz and Mandurriao district health centers.
A mega health center to be constructed in Arevalo district with assistance from DOH will also have an ABC. (Iloilo City PIO)
Iloilo City – is proud to announce that the Office of the City Veterinarian is conducting a whole-year round of FREE rabies vaccination, neutering and spaying services for all our beloved pets. Rabies vaccination are available Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm (except holidays). Neutering and spaying are every Wednesday and getting your schedule in advance to give them time to prepare for the procedure.
Benefits of Vaccines in Pets
Vaccines are vital. It do not only protects your pet but also your family and community. Rabies is transmittable from pet to human and as pet owners, we do not want to place a number of people to that kind of risk.
Vaccinations are important also in helping our pets live a healthier life. Temporary lethargy and irritation are two of the most common side-effects. Anti-rabies vaccines in our own city are important in contributing to a lower the fatality rate worldwide.
Just bring your cats and dogs, at least 3 month old and of good health to the office.
The Office of the City Veterinarian is also offering FREE CASTRATION AND SPAYING OF DOGS AND CATS. It is scheduled every Wednesday of the week but sometimes, because of the high number of dogs and cats scheduled for procedure of the day, they ran out of basic supplies. It is highly recommended to get a appointment for your pets. Simply call City Vet @ 337-9866 for schedule and other instructions.
Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet
Spaying helps female pet live longer by preventing uterine infections and breast tumors which are mostly malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spay her before her first heat.
Neutering your male pet prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems. Male pets will also stay at home more often and minimizing thinking about finding a mate; neutered male may behave better.
Just bring your cats and dogs, at least 6 months old and of good health to their office.
Office of the City Veterinarian, Iloilo City
337-9866 is the number to call for further information, instructions, and possible scheduling of operations.
NOTE: This program is exclusive to Iloilo City residents only.
