Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Vet office to hit target on anti-rabies vaccinations
By Ian C. Espada
THE Iloilo Provincial Government is determined to achieve its goal in vaccinating 80 percent of the entire dog population in the province of Iloilo before the yearends.
Silvino Teodosio, Jr., chief of the Provincial Veterinary Office, revealed that only 12 percent or equivalent to 28, 560 out of 238,000 total dog population in Iloilo province have been vaccinated last year. But as of August 2006, the number of dogs vaccinated had increased to 62.2 percent or equivalent to 147, 000 dogs.
Aside from vaccination, the Provincial Veterinary Office is also planning to reduce the number of dogs in the province of Iloilo by way of castration.
"We are going to train people on how to undertake dog castration", Dr. Teodosio said. The training will begin in the month of September and will kick-off in the municipality of Dumangas.
Teodosio also said in 2006, Governor Niel Tupas has approved a total fund allocation in the amount of P2 million for the purchase of anti-rabies vaccines.
"This simply shows that Governor Tupas is in full support to this campaign and is determined to win the fight against rabies that endangers the lives of the people in Iloilo province", Teodosio said.
In a meeting at the provincial capitol on August 25, 2006, which was attended by municipal health officers, LGU representatives and other stakeholders, the Provincial Veterinary and Health Offices jointly presented an Epidemiological study of the state of human and canine rabies in Iloilo Province.
Dr. Genesis May Samonte of the National Epidemiology of the Department of Health revealed that there was an upward trend of human rabies cases in Iloilo.
According to the study they have conducted, dogs positive of rabies are found through out the province placing the lives of Iloilo residents at risk.
The study also showed that majority of the dog owners were aware of the necessity of dog vaccination but failed to bring their dogs to proper authorities for vaccination.
The study also found out that dogs' movement restriction is poorly practiced and victims of dog bites seek medical care, but few of them get PET or post exposure treatment.
To reduce incidence of rabies infection, Samonte recommended the following options:
First, dog bites victims should be given PET and ensure its availability and affordability.
Second, dog movements should be restricted. In this connection, ordinances must be enacted and should be strictly implemented.
Third, all dogs must be vaccinated and the vaccination should be available and accessible to all dog owners.
Fourth, advocacy on responsible pet ownership and dog bite management must be a continuing activity. Dog vaccination and movement restriction must be given emphasis.
Finally, there must be an intensified information drive to be undertaken. Provision of rabies Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials is one example. (With reports from Roger Tamon)
(August 30, 2006 issue)
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