The Makati City local government launched on Tuesday, March 15, a free anti-rabies vaccination drive to further protect the pets and ensure the safety of the citizens.
On its official Facebook page, the Makati City Public Information Office (PIO) posted pictures of the vaccination drive spearheaded by the Makati Veterinary Services Department (VSD) held in Barangay Pio del Pilar and Barangay Rizal.
The VSD said that the free anti-rabies vaccination will last until March 18, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Bergonia St. Zone 7 Multi Purpose Hall in Barangay Rizal, and at the Pio del Pilar barangay hall.
It added that they will continue conducting anti-rabies vaccination in all barangays in the city and urged residents to check on Makati's official Facebook page for other announcements regarding their barangay's schedule.
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay urged her constituents to vaccinate their pets to protect them from the disease.
Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. Early symptoms can include fever and tingling at the site of exposure.
These symptoms are followed by one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, fear of water, an inability to move parts of the body, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Once symptoms appear, the result is always death.
Meanwhile, Binay also called on Makatizens to register their pets at the city veterinary office to keep a record of their owners and their pet's vaccination status.
In October 2017, Makati was the first local government unit (LGU) in Southeast Asia to implement citywide pet registration microchipping.
The microchip has a 15-digit code readable with a microchip scanner. When the code is entered into the database, it reveals the owner’s name as well as the pet’s vaccination records.
Aside from facilitating the identification of pets and their owners, the program also helps owners and bite victims avoid spending for redundant or unnecessary rabies vaccinations.