BACOLOD City – The City Council committee on health and sanitation expressed alarm over the reported shortage in the supply of anti-rabies vaccine in the city.
The Council committee chairman, Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, said he would verify the report with the City Health Office (CHO) because a few weeks ago City Health Officer Ma. Carmela Gensoli assured him that the CHO has enough supply of rabies vaccine.
“Nakibot ako nga amo na kadasig ang kakulang… unless [rabies] cases have doubled, tripled or quadrupled. I-follow up ta sa CHO kon matuod naurutan sang vaccine,” he said.
However, if there is indeed shortage in rabies vaccine, Puentevella said the CHO can purchase additional vaccine. The city government has allotted a budget for it.
On the other hand, this city, spearheaded by the City Veterinary Office (CVO), started a mass rabies vaccination for cats and dogs last month.
The CVO targets to immunize 70 percent of the estimated 100,000 dog population in the city by October this year to achieve herd immunity and prevent the rabies outbreak.
Dr. John Michael Cabuguason, the assistant city veterinarian, said they are conducting mass dog vaccination for free in the barangays, but pet owners can bring their dogs to the CVO to get immunized for a minimal fee of P50.
“Right now, our procurement is about 60,000 doses on a staggered basis. We hope to finish the mass dog vaccination by September or October and saturate all the 61 barangays,” Cabuguason said.
He added that a part of the 70 percent is available through private animal clinics, but CVO ensures an allocation of at least 60,000 doses to reach the target dog population.
As of the last week of April, some 5,145 dogs and cats were vaccinated in Barangay Taculing, while 3,025 animals were administered rabies shots in Barangay Singcang-Airport. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency)/PN