TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The City Veterinary Office (CVO) warned the public against possible cat rabies infection after a cat head specimen from the city was found positive of rabies by the Regional Animal Diagnostic Laboratory in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
Dr. Carmen Wanas of the CVO informed that the head was brought for testing by the cat bite victim from barangay Casigayan.
Wanas said that this is the first time that a case of a cat rabies infection was brought to the attention of the CVO.
Wanas said that they advised the victim to immediately complete the post exposure treatment for rabies and the CVO also conducted a dog and cat anti-rabies vaccination in the area.
She encouraged cat owners to have their pets vaccinated to avoid possible occurrence of another cat rabies in the city.
Meanwhile, the CVO continues to conduct Veterinary Medical Missions in barangays that request for complete animal care services.
Wanas said that this is one strategy to encourage all barangays to avail of the free medical services and prevent the spread of animal diseases in the locality.
Among the services they are providing include anti-rabies vaccination, dog mange treatment, deworming, vitamin provision, castration, anti-hog cholera vaccination, free check-up and animal diseases treatment for all livestock.
Wanas said that with the changing weather, they have been receiving reports on animal diarrhea either caused by parasitism or metabolic disorder.
Wanas said that the CVO is targeting all 42 barangays but the barangay officials have to make a requests to proper coordination and dissemination will done before the city vet would come to ensure that the public are aware of the activity schedule.**By Geraldine Dumallig/City Information Office