Navotas launches anti-rabies drive

Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco has launched an anti-rabies campaign in a bid to reduce if not totally eliminate cases of the highly fatal yet preventable disease in his town.

Tiangco said the free vaccination of pets sponsored by the municipal government led by Councilor Linda Ramirez was held yesterday at 9 a.m. at the Linchangco Basketball Covered Court in Barangay North Bay Boulevard North (NBBN).

As part of the campaign, the Municipal Health Office under Dr. Hector David will conduct a series of lectures in all 14 barangays to heigthen the awareness and knowledge of the public about the disease and how it can be prevented.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted usually by dogs and attacks the nervous system. If left untreated, the disease works fast and death could come within days of infection.

Statistics brought forward by the local health office said some 350 to 400 Filipinos die of rabies annually.

"Kung nakagat ng asong may rabies, aabot ng hanggang P20,000 ang gagastusin samantalang libre naman and bakuna kung kanilang dadalhin ang mga aso dito," Tiangco said.

Municipal Ordinance 200-02 prohibiting animals in public places, sidewalks and streets is strictly enforced in the town. Regular round up operations of Task Force Disiplina personnel help control the number of stray animals in the streets.

"The health office and the agriculture department work together in keeping our community safe from the dangers of rabies. We can do our part by being responsible pet owners. This activity reminds us that rabies is dangerous but, as always, an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure," said Tiangco.