By Rowena Cruz From free spay/neuter clinics in Dolores to rabies vaccination drives in San Andres and training programs for vaccinators in ...
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| From free spay/neuter clinics in Dolores to rabies vaccination drives in San Andres and training programs for vaccinators in Catanauan, the OPV is working hard to protect animals and the community. (Photo from Quezon PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) has been busy implementing programs across Quezon Province to improve animal welfare and enhance rabies prevention. These efforts include free spay and neuter clinics, rabies vaccination drives, and training programs for local vaccinators.
In Dolores, the OPV partnered with the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMA) to offer free spay and neuter services for cats and dogs on November 22, 2024. Led by Dr. Philip Maristela and Dr. Camille Calaycay, the initiative aimed to control stray animal populations and highlight the health benefits of spaying and neutering.
Meanwhile, in Catanauan, the OPV held a two-day training program for new Municipal Animal Rabies Vaccinators on November 19-20, 2024. Dr. Camille C. Calaycay of the Animal Health and Welfare Division led the training, equipping participants with the skills to effectively administer rabies vaccinations.
A mass anti-rabies vaccination drive was also conducted in San Andres from November 18-20, 2024. In addition to vaccinating pets, the OPV collected blood samples from goats and cattle for disease surveillance. The campaign in San Andres successfully vaccinated a total of 540 animals, including 410 dogs, 129 cats, and even one monkey. This demonstrates the comprehensive reach of the program, extending beyond common household pets to include other susceptible animals.
Services were provided to 295 individuals, with 139 men and 156 women participating, showcasing a balanced engagement from the community. This emphasizes the importance of rabies prevention for all community members. It also highlights the active role both men and women play in responsible pet ownership, contributing to a safer environment for everyone.
The vaccination drive covered 7 barangays: Talisay, Mangero, Camflora, Tala, Poblacion, Alibijaban, and Pansoy, ensuring widespread protection against rabies across these communities. This extensive coverage helps to minimize the risk of rabies outbreaks and promotes public health by creating a safer environment for both humans and animals.
Furthermore, the OPV collected blood samples from 21 goats and 21 cattle for disease surveillance. This proactive measure allows for early detection of potential health threats to livestock, contributing to a comprehensive approach to animal health management in the province.
By monitoring the health of livestock, the OPV can take steps to prevent the spread of disease and protect the livelihoods of farmers and their communities. This surveillance effort is crucial in maintaining a healthy livestock population and ensuring a stable food supply.
This also safeguards public health by mitigating the risk of zoonotic diseases that can transmit from animals to humans. Early detection of diseases in animals helps to prevent potential outbreaks in human populations, protecting the overall well-being of the community.
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