Even if no cases have been reported in the last two years, the Taguig City government still intends to step up its antirabies program through its free vaccine campaign.
In a statement issued Sunday, Mayor Lani Cayetano said that she had ordered the City Agriculture Office and City Veterinarian to conduct the drive in Taguig’s 28 barangays (villages).
The City Health Office, on the other hand, also offers free antirabies shots for dog-bite victims through its Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTC) in Barangays Ibayo-Tipas and North Signal.
“The best way to prevent rabies infection is through vaccination programs,” Cayetano said.
Agriculture Office head Emelita Solis said that under the year-round vaccination drive, a total of 3,269 pets in 13 barangays have so far received antirabies shots.
City Veterinarian Dr. Alex Siblag, meanwhile, advised bite victims to treat animal bites or scratches by washing these with soap under running water, and going to the nearest health center or ABTC.