City Vet kicks off rabies awareness month
To drum up awareness on the effects of rabies as well as the responsibilities of pet owners, the city government through the City Veterinarian Office on March 8, spearheaded activities kicking off the observance of Rabies Awareness Month.
The activity was launched with a motorcade from the downtown area that ended in the Curuan Elementary School. Participants included members of the Anti-Rabies committee such as the City Schools Division Office, Department of Health, Zamboanga City Medical Center, Department of Interior and Local Government City Office, Liga ng mga Barangay, City Health Office and other agencies.
City Veterinarian Dr. Mario Ariola said barangay Curuan was chosen to be the kick off ground for the month long observance of rabies awareness month, as the area registered one of the fatalities in rabies cases last year.
The city recorded a total of four fatalities or casualties due to rabies last year.
This year, Ariola said, dog bite cases are increasing and of the total reported, 20 cases have been found positive of rabies.
“We have increasing cases, a manifestation that many people report dog bite cases due to awareness”, the city veterinarian said.
The launching program in Curuan was highlighted by the free dog vaccination, film showing on responsible pet ownership and the things to do if one is a victim of dog bites, distribution of flyers and public information.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ariola advised the public anew to immediately report dog bite incidents to the nearest health center for proper attention.
Delayed medical attention may cause aggravate the situation of a dog bite victim, he added. (Sheila Covarrubias)