STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan (PIA) – About 100 pet dogs and cats were vaccinated with anti-rabies, received vitamins, dewormed, castrated, and spayed during the veterinary medical mission dubbed “Serbisyong ang Galing” held on Friday at the SM City Urdaneta Central in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.
The “Sebisyong ang Galing,” which aims to eliminate or at least reduce the cases of rabies disease, is an initiative of the provincial government of Pangasinan, through the Provincial Veterinary Office.
“Bukod sa programa na ito, ang ating mga local government unit sa probinsya ay tuloy-tuloy ang pagsasagawa ng ganitong serbisyo para sa mga aso at pusa upang ang probinsya natin ay maging rabies-free,” Dr. Marissa De Vera, veterinarian from the Provincial Veterinary Office, said.
Aside from regular vaccinations, De Vera advised pet owners to provide proper animal care, food, and a clean environment.
She said that although rabies disease is fatal, it is 100% preventable if the pets are properly cared for.
She disclosed that there were 49 recorded cases of canine rabies in the province this 2023.
She said that among the areas monitored by their office with confirmed cases of rabies are the cities of Alaminos, San Carlos, and Urdaneta and the towns of Bolinao and Malasiqui.
“Kung kayo ay nakagat ng aso o pusa, kaagad na i-report sa pinakamalapit na Animal Bite Center sa inyong lugar. Mayroon tayo sa Dagupan City Health Office, Lingayen District Hospital, Pangasinan Provincial Health Office, at Region 1 Medical Center,” De Vera stated.
Meanwhile, she advised that if bitten by a dog or a cat, clean the wound for several minutes with running water and soap.
She added that the dog or cat should be observed for 14 days to see if it had the rabies virus when it bit.
When a dog or cat bites, it will die or show clinical signs of rabies within 14 days.
Paul Roa, a resident of Urdaneta City, expressed his appreciation for the service received for his pets.
“Pinakapon namin ang aming aso at pusa. Magandang opportunity ito lalo na sa mga malalayo ang lugar kasi ang mga veterinarians na ang pumupunta o lumalapit sa amin para magbigay ng libreng anti-rabies, vitamins, deworming, at neutering sa mga alaga naming aso at pusa. Isa pa, tinutulungan nila kaming maging responsableng pet owner,” he stated.
De Vera said the Provincial Veterinary Office will bring the “Serbisyong ang Galing” to Pozorrubio town on December 5, 2023. (JCR/AMB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
