LUCENA CITY, Quezon – The Quezon provincial veterinary office has intensified its surveillance of rabies and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) to achieve a “Rabies Free Province” in support of the country’s goal for a “Rabies Free Country” by 2020.
Quezon province heightens monitoring of rabies, FMD
Officials disclosed to PNA on Friday that their intensive surveillance covers the regular blood collection from livestock twice a year to protect the livestock industry here and achieve the FMD-free status of the province.
The veterinary office has conducted blood collection and gathered orpharyngeal swab samples for farm accreditation in this city, and the towns of Lucban and Candelaria, to ensure livestock and farm animals are free from the disease.
It also intensified information drive to farmers, agricultural workers and raisers of cattle, carabaos, goats, pigs and other livestock. It urged livestock raisers to report any symptom or sign of illness in their animals to avoid contamination of the FMD disease which could also affect human health.
The office also informed residents on their continuing free anti-rabies vaccination, consultation, treatment and deworming for pet dogs and cats.
It has scheduled free vet services on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Provincial Capitol grounds in this city, or pet owners may visit their office in Barangay Talipan in Pagbilao, Quezon.
The move is in line with the provincial government’s thrust, led by Governor David C. Suarez, to achieve a rabies-free province and in support of the country’s goal for a “Rabies Free Country” by 2020. (Gideon Belen/PNA)
