63,000 anti-rabies vaccines slated for Benguet

AT LEAST 63,000 anti-rabies vaccines are ready to be distributed for pet owners in Benguet province.

The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) have added four job orders to aid in the vaccination program to meet the target vaccination in the province for the free vaccination which started early last month for the 140 barangays of the province that would last until May this year.

Provincial veterinarian Miriam Tiongan said aside from the accumulation of anti-rabies vaccine, residents should observe responsible pet ownership for rabies which remains to be 99.9 percent preventable and 100 percent fatal.

Vaccines are available for dogs and cats with an ongoing vaccination in Buguias, Kabayan, Bokod, La Trinidad, Sablan, and Bakun.

"We have an overflowing vaccine provided by the Department of Agriculture," said Tiongan. "To be a responsible pet owner, they must vaccinate their pets, it is easier through vaccination than of post-exposure."

March is National Rabies Awareness Month with the theme "Barangay kaagapay, Alis rabies tagumpay". The Department of Health is eyeing for a rabies-free Philippines by year 2020.

The office reported an estimate 100,000 number of surveyed pets in the province a result from the provincial animal base line information system conducted in a house to house provincial wide survey.

Currently, there are no reported deaths caused by rabies in Benguet, however those who have been bitten must submit themselves for post exposure vaccination.

Rabies can be spread from animals to humans, the disease is transmitted when virus which is present in saliva of an infected animal penetrates through skin through a bite.