Maribojoc: DVMF working to keep rabies cases low

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Veterinary Medicine Fishes (DVMF) has targeted to keep cases of animal  rabies low in Cebu City towards the end of this year

It aims to make the city rabies-free by 2030.

In a Cebu City News and Information report, Dr. Jessica Maribojoc, DVMF chief, said that right now, there is a rabies incident each reported in eight of the 80 barangays of the city.

She identified the eight barangays, which are now considered as high-risk areas, as Guadalupe, Inayawan, Kinasang-an, Lahug, Pit-os, Punta Princesa, Tisa, and Tejero.

Maribojoc, though, said that despite this, the number of cases is low compared to last year's.

In the last six years, 2021 had the most number of positive rabies cases with 28.

Maribojoc said vaccination for pets in the identified high-risk barangays continues to be their priority, as they aim to keep the numbers low.

“Dili ta mubalhin ana nga barangay or ana nga sitio until mahuman ta'g bakuna,” she said.

Aside from anti-rabies vaccinations, DVMF also offers other services like deworming, spaying, neutering, vitamins supplementation, pet consultation, and microchipping.

Maribojboc said pet owners are also expected to voluntarily have their pets vaccinated for everyone’s safety. (CEBU NEWS)