Provincial Veterinarian Office urges get pets vaccinated against rabies

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Residents and their pets in Sampaloc, Quezon recently participated in rabies prevention, including animal vaccination...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Residents and their pets in Sampaloc, Quezon recently participated in rabies prevention, including animal vaccination and spaying and neutering. (OPV-Quezon)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - As part of the nationwide move to eliminate rabies by 2030, Quezon province is making a concerted effort to safeguard its community. Recognizing the critical importance of proactive measures, pet owners are strongly urged to utilize the free veterinary services offered by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian - Quezon (OPV-Quezon) during Rabies Awareness Month.

This initiative provides a crucial opportunity to protect both pets and the community from a deadly disease. Rabies, a fatal viral disease affecting the central nervous system, is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. According to the World Health Organization, rabies has an almost 100-percent fatality rate once symptoms manifest, making it one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases.



Once symptoms manifest, intervention is almost always futile for both humans and animals. The virus affects the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fever, hydrophobia or fear of water, paralysis, and aggressive behavior in animals. This kind of disease progresses rapidly, and once clinical signs appear, death is inevitable.

March is Rabies Awareness Month, designated by Executive Order No. 84 of 1999, under the theme: "Maunlad at Responsableng Paghahayupan para sa Kalusugan at Yaman ng Mamamayan, Sama-Sama Nating Pagsumikapan.", dedicated to public education on rabies dangers, preventative measures, and responsible pet ownership. To this end, Quezon is implementing comprehensive anti-rabies vaccination drives and educational initiatives.

A cornerstone of the Rabies Awareness Month activities is the Veterinary Medical Mission at Perez Park, Provincial Capitol Compound, Lucena City. Held every Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 3, 10, 17, and 24, this mission provides free consultations, anti-rabies vaccinations, deworming, and veterinary medicine.

The Quezon Healthy Public Open Space cum Veterinary Medical Mission will launch on March 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Block 3, Perez Park, Provincial Capitol Compound, Lucena City. This launch event will offer the same free services: consultations, anti-rabies vaccinations, deworming, and veterinary medicine.

Throughout the province, widespread anti-rabies vaccination sessions will be conducted in various barangays within each municipality, accompanied by intensive information campaigns. This year's focus reinforces the vital role of pet health in community safety.

OPV-Quezon's rabies control strategy employs a multifaceted approach, encompassing population management through spaying and neutering, widespread vaccinations, public education on responsible pet ownership and rabies awareness, and consistent animal control activities.

For Quezon pet owners seeking spaying or neutering services, specific requirements must be met: an up-to-date vaccination card, Manila paper, seven gauze pads, 250 milliliters of alcohol, 3-ply tissue, three 1-milliliter syringes, three 3-milliliter syringes, and an E-collar. Pet owners are urged to take advantage of these essential, free services.