CEBU, Philippines - The past three months recorded zero rabies-related incidents in Cebu City, but city veterinarian Alice Utlang said yesterday there is no reason to be complacent especially with the advent of summer.
Utlang said the public should be aware that animals, especially dogs, have the tendency to be “hot tempered” in warm weather, thus, there is a higher risk for them to attack. She explained further that because animals would prefer to stay in shady areas, the chances of getting near people would also be higher.
“During this season, dogs will just stay in shady places, thus, dako gyud ang tendency nga makapaak sila kay dili man sila maka suroy-suroy tungod sa kainit ug aning panahona hot tempered ang mga iro,” Utlang said.
The Cebu City Veterinarian’s Office is reinforcing its campaign against rabies with help from local and international non-government organizations. The Island Rescue Organization (IRO) is helping the office capture abandoned and/or neglected dogs while the India-based Humane Society International is helping the city’s veterinarians on the proper ways of capturing stray dogs.
Utlang disclosed the Homna Veterinarian Clinic in Japan has also promised to donate vaccines for dogs to the province.
“The office is expecting to receive these vaccines before the year ends,” she said.
Utlang announced rabies vaccination, population control for domestic animals, and a bite prevention program will be conducted throughout the month in line with the observance of the National Rabies Awareness Month.
The city veterinarian’s office recorded nine rabies-related incidents last year, but Utlang said she hopes the zero record, so far, would continue until yearend.
“I’m looking forward that there would be no cases of dog bites for the whole year … unlike last year that we had recorded nine cases,” Utlang said, adding, that it would help a lot if pet owners to have their animals undergo ligation.
The city veterinarian’s office charges P150 for pet registration. Pet owners may also have their animals receive vaccines and undergo ligation and vasectomy. (FREEMAN NEWS)