Ministry of Health asks not to forget vaccinations for dogs and cats against rabies

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection urged citizens throughout the country to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies, a lethal disease in 100% of cases. Jairo Hernández, deputy director of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health, recalled that this is the most effective way to control this disease and should be done every year.

In terms of figures, between 2015 and so far in 2021 there have been 22 cases of animal rabies (7 cats and 15 dogs) in the municipalities of Barbosa (Antioquia), El Retén, Fundación, Nueva Granada, Plato, Ariguaní and Santa Ana (Magdalena); San Luis and Guamo (Tolima); Anapoima (Cundinamarca); Villavicencio (Meta) and San Marcos (Sucre). On the other hand, in wild animals, cases of rabies have been identified in 4 foxes and 2 bats, in the municipalities of Manizales (Caldas), Fundación (Magdalena), Yaguará and Neiva (Huila).

Therefore, Hernández insisted, “the Ministry invites citizens to carry out anti-rabies vaccination of dogs and cats, in order to reduce the risk of this disease and guarantee the health and well-being of companion animals.”

The population is reminded that the rabies vaccine is free and is applied to puppies from the age of three months, requiring an annual revaccination throughout the life of the animal.

Rabies is a disease that once it develops symptoms has no cure and inevitably leads to the death of the animal or the infected person who does not receive medical attention in a timely manner. The official also specified that any aggression caused by a dog, cat, bat, fox or by production animals to a human, It is considered a medical emergency, so you should go to the nearest health service for assessment and treatment by the service, in a timely manner to avoid fatal outcomes.

He also asked to take into account that in Colombia there are two cycles of rabies: a) urban cycle, whose main transmitter is the dog; and b) wild cycle, with the bat being the main reservoir, transmitting the disease to other animal species (cows, horses, pigs, sheep, cats and accidentally to people).

Prevention actions To prevent cases of human rabies transmitted by dogs and / or cats from occurring, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection purchased 4,681,820 doses of rabies vaccine for dogs and cats, whose investment reached $ 2,991,682,980.

The Ministry also purchased 120,000 doses of human rabies vaccine at an approximate cost of $ 4,280,114,452, and 25,000 vials of rabies serum at an approximate cost of $ 4,252,646,400 to attend to any situation generated by the bite of infected animals.

“Said like this, this investment exceeded $ 8 billion pesos with the Strategic Fund of the Pan American Health Organization”, the deputy director acknowledged.

Responsible pet ownership requires attention to six basic points:

Vaccinate your dog and cat against rabies starting at three months of age and revaccinate annually. All Colombians are invited to take their dogs and cats to the health secretariats of their municipalities, so that they can be vaccinated for free.

Report to the health secretary all warm-blooded animals with neurological symptoms compatible with rabies (incoordination or staggering when walking, aggressiveness, excessive salivation, phobia of water and food, two-tone barking (hoarse)).

In case of aggression (bite, scratch), make sure that the wound is washed with plenty of soap and water, and go to the nearest health service for evaluation by the emergency service.

If the aggressor animal is a dog or cat, it must be observed for 10 days by the health authority of the municipality or district. Do not sacrifice, give away or sell it.

Provide affection and well-being to your companion (dog or cat) and production animals (cattle, horses, pigs, sheep) – Take your dog out with a collar and muzzle, and do not allow them to roam freely in public spaces.

A bite by a bat or other wild animal is a serious rabies exposure, therefore, emergency medical attention and immediate prophylaxis (serum and human rabies vaccine) are always required.

In case of moving dogs and cats from one city to another (or between municipalities), or when traveling with them during vacations, ensure that they have a current rabies vaccine. Avoid moving dogs or cats between municipalities with cases of rabies in animals or people.

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