THE City Government of San Fernando through the City Health Office (CHO) and in partnership with the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (Cavo) highlighted rabies prevention awareness and responsible pet ownership during a forum at Heroes Hall here.
The program seeks to inform the public on how to prevent rabies since it is a serious health concern that needs to be addressed immediately and properly.
During his presentation, City Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Paul Manlapaz discussed the proper ways on how to care and treat pet animals.
“Animals are like us. They also need nutritious food, clean drinks, well-kept shelter and they also need to be washed twice a week to keep them from getting sick,” Manlapaz said.
Manlapaz added that pets, particularly dogs, should be vaccinated against rabies.
“The vaccine is the protection that is supposed to be given to dogs to prevent them from illness and from passing this to others. CAVO is open for pets consultation,” Manlapaz added.
Meanwhile, communicable disease coordinator Dr. Renely Tungol said that the city has zero cases of human rabies virus for almost seven years.
Tungol also stated that the CHO has various programs and services for Fernandinos to fight rabies.
“Because of the city government's program, the rabies vaccine is now available to the public. CHO has an animal bite center, which provides free vaccination to people who have been bitten by any animal. We also have five rural health units and 45 barangay health stations that you can visit and are ready to provide services to everyone and to every animal,” Tungol said.
For his part, Mayor Edwin Santiago said everyone and even animals should be healthy and fit, in order for the city to achieve a healthy and safe community lifestyle.
“We always have to properly consider our health in all things we do every day. We cannot do what we want if we get sick and if our community is infected with any disease. The City of San Fernando ensures that every Fernandino will be healthy, vibrant, and happy from the various services we provide that will definitely help all,” Santiago said.