More than 21,500 pet owners in Makati have benefitted from the free anti-rabies vaccination operations conducted by the city government in 26 barangays since January this year.
In a report to Mayor Abigail Binay, Makati Veterinary Services Office chief Dr. Ma. Katherina Mangahas said her office gave free anti-rabies shots to 9,424 pets in District 1 and 12,160 pets in District 2.
Mangahas urged residents whose pets have not been vaccinated to bring their pets to the nearest MVSO office.
For District 1 residents, the MVSO at the Makati Central Fire Station on Ayala Avenue Extension corner Malugay St. (tel.no. 889-7949) is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Residents of District 2 may bring their pets for vaccination to MVSO at Cadena de Amor St., Brgy. Pembo (tel. no. 896-8723) from Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Among the 26 barangays covered in the drive to date, Barangay Rizal posted the highest number with 2,703 pets vaccinated. It was followed by Pembo, 1,804; East Rembo, 1,762; West Rembo, 1,726; Bangkal, 1,272; Cembo, 1,199; Olympia, 1,183; Comembo, 1,139; Pio del Pilar, 1,102; and Palanan, 1,048; Poblacion, 836; Tejeros, 818; Guadalupe Nuevo, 725.
San Antonio, 655; Guadalupe Viejo, 649; San Isidro, 483; Pitogo, 422; La Paz, 420; Singkamas, 368; Valenzuela, 358; Sta. Cruz, 334; Dasmariñas, 199; Carmona, 189; Urdaneta, 96; Forbes Park, 63; and Northside, 31.
The citywide anti-rabies vaccination drive of MVSO is being conducted with the assistance of barangay health workers and personnel of the Makati Action Center.
Meanwhile, the MVSO also offers free anti-rabies vaccination during the Makati Lingkod Bayan Caravan which is held twice a month in the barangays.
The caravan is scheduled to visit Barangay Singkamas at F. Benitez Elementary School III along F. Nazario St. on Saturday, July 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reports showed that the Philippines was listed sixth among the countries that still have reported cases of rabies, with around 200 to 500 people dying from the illness annually.
It also showed that 30 to 60 percent of the victims being children under the age of 15.
Most of these deaths are caused by the lack of prevention measures, such as dogs not being vaccinated against the disease, lack of treatment after an animal bite, or misconceptions such as the belief that pouring vinegar on an animal bite will kill the rabies virus.
The website Rabiesawareness.com said rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. Animals and people can get rabies when they come into contact with the saliva of, or most often through the bite of an infected animal.
