Koronadal City—The Provincial Government of South Cotabato bagged the Best Implementer National Award in the rabies eradication program this year.
Dr. Milo Quinton, the Rabies Progam Coordinator, said the recognition is awarded to South Cotabato by the Bureau of Animal Industry for the unwavering support, tireless dedication, and excellent implementation of Rabies Eradication Program.
“At least 61, 000 dogs were vaccinated from January to September this year,” Dr. Quinton reported during the weekly media forum “Kapihan sa Kapitolyo.”
The Provincial Veterinary targeted 50, 000 dogs this year.
“We have surpassed our target because we monitored positive cases of rabies among dogs in South Cotabato,” Quinton confirmed.
Based on the PVET report, nine dogs in South Cotabato came out positive of rabies.
The dogs were from the barangays of Sta. Cruz, Zone 1 and Mambucal (2 dogs) in the City of Koronadal; barangays Tinongcop, Maibo, and Dumadalig of Tantangan; and Barangay Dajay of Suralah.
“We immediately conducted rabies immunization in the identified barangays, from the point of origin to three kilometers radius surrounding the area to ensure the virus is contained,” Quinton said.
The dog impounding facility in Suralah will open before the year ends while the provincial government plans to open another facility in Polomolok.
The benchmark for judging the best performer involves surveillance of rabies cases, animal birth control, dog impoundment, rabies ordinance monitoring, budget allocation and utilization for rabies control.
