THE series of anti-rabies vaccinations in targeted villages in Zamboanga City will resume Tuesday, September 3, the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet) announced.

Dr. Mario Arriola, OCVet chief, said the Oplan Alis Rabies is scheduled in different villages in the city for the next three months, officially commencing Tuesday (September 3) in San Roque, to be followed by the villages of Sta. Maria, Pasonanca and Canelar.

Arriola said a total of 25,000 doses of the rabies vaccine were obtained by his office through the city's disaster funds.

He said the current supply is enough to vaccinate some 25,000 dogs.

For the month of September, Arriola said the Oplan Alis Rabies will be in San Roque, September 3; Sta. Maria, September 4; Pasonanca, September 5; Canelar, September 6; Cabatangan, September 10; Talon-Talon, September 11; Mampang, September 12; Calarian, September 17; Putik, September 18; Tetuan, September 24; Guiwan, September 25; and Tumaga, September 26.

To optimize the use of the rabies vaccine, the OCVet will focus on identified high-risk areas, said Arriola.

He said these areas are Ayala, Baliwasan, Cabatangan, Calarian, Divisoria, Lamisahan, Lansones, Malagutay, Pasonanca, Putik, Salaan, San Jose Cawa Cawa, San Jose Gusu, San Roque, Sinunuc, Sta. Catalina, Sta. Maria, Tetuan, and Tugbungan.

He said dogs remain the top reservoir and vector for rabies.

He urged pet owners to practice responsible pet ownership by regularly vaccinating dogs, cats, and other pets.

He said reporting animal bites and obtaining post-exposure treatment are equally vital. (SunStar Philippines)