Customers bring their pets to get vaccinated against six diseases at a veterinary store on Nguyen Kiem Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: THANH DAM
On the afternoon of March 28, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) cited information from the City's Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department about the rate of rabies vaccination in the total dog and cat population and the plan to organize rabies vaccination for dogs and cats, and dog and cat owners in the city.
Accordingly, Ho Chi Minh City is currently the only city to achieve animal disease-free zone certification for rabies at the provincial level with a rabies vaccination rate of over 90% of the total dog and cat population.
To maintain this achievement, Ho Chi Minh City continues to organize mass rabies vaccination for dogs and cats in March and May every year.
According to the report of the Department of Animal Health, Ho Chi Minh City is currently the only city that has achieved the certification of animal disease-free zones for rabies at the provincial level (the entire city).
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine of Ho Chi Minh City in coordination with the People's Committees of districts and Thu Duc City organized rabies vaccination for dogs and cats in the area, focusing on mass vaccination around March - May every year and regular supplementary vaccination according to age.
The City's Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department added that there are currently more than 4.9 million households raising dogs and cats nationwide, with a total herd of 7.6 million dogs and cats. The movement of raising dogs and cats is growing strongly, especially in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City.
Raising dogs and cats without management can lead to the risk of spreading a number of diseases from animals to humans, including rabies.
Previously in 2022, Ho Chi Minh City issued Decision No. 1464 on the rabies prevention program for the period 2022 - 2030, in which rabies vaccination for dogs and cats is the most important and effective measure.
To effectively vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies in the city, people also need to cooperate well.
Accordingly, people need to coordinate to review statistics on the vaccination status of dogs and cats twice a year on January 1 and July 1. These statistical results will be the database for developing a plan to implement vaccination work such as preparing human resources, vaccine sources and other necessary tools.
At the same time, strictly comply with the regulations on rabies vaccination for dogs and cats raised in households because this is a disease that requires vaccination. If dog and cat owners do not comply, they will be fined from 1 to 2 million VND and forced to comply with vaccination (according to Decree No. 04/2020/ND-CP).
Ho Chi Minh City is vaccinating dogs, cats and their owners against rabies at a price of 23,000 - 12,500 VND/dose.
Currently, the People's Committees of districts and Thu Duc City are organizing rabies vaccination for dogs and cats, and people who raise dogs and cats. People need to pay the vaccination cost of 23,000 VND/dose.
Particularly, people in 5 suburban districts including Cu Chi, Hoc Mon, Binh Chanh, Nha Be and Can Gio, when vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies, only have to pay 12,500 VND/dose because the State supports 50% of the cost according to Resolution No. 23/2021/NQ-HDND dated December 9, 2021 of the City People's Council.
When in need of rabies vaccination, people should bring their dogs and cats to the Animal Disease Diagnosis, Testing and Treatment Station (address: 126 Tran Quy, Ward 6, District 11) or the district, inter-district, and Thu Duc City animal husbandry and veterinary stations to be vaccinated according to regulations.
In addition, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine of Ho Chi Minh City coordinates with local authorities to organize annual mass vaccinations.
According to Circular No. 07/2016/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 31, 2016 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the rabies vaccination rate for dogs and cats must ensure at least 70% of the total herd to be effective in rabies prevention.
The first rabies vaccination is given to dogs and cats when they are 12 weeks old, followed by an annual booster vaccination.
In the case of dogs or cats vaccinated before 12 weeks of age, the first vaccination schedule must be followed by a booster vaccination at 12 weeks of age or older (or according to the vaccine manufacturer's instructions).
Annual booster vaccinations are given to create better immunity against rabies in dogs and cats.
Cost 200 billion to vaccinate against rabies in 3 monthsSource
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