The number of animals vaccinated decreased from 2,096 in the period from January to September last year to 958 this year.
A survey sent to O Regional by the Zoonoses Surveillance Unit (UVZ) showed that the demand for rabies vaccination decreased in 2023, compared to the previous year. The reduction in the number of doses applied reaches 54% in comparison.
According to the spreadsheet, in 2022, 1,551 dogs and 545 cats were vaccinated from January to September, with a total of 2,096 animals protected against the disease. The month with the highest demand was August, when 496 doses were administered. This year, in the same period, there were 756 dogs and 202 cats, for a total of 958.
Recently, in an effort to attract more owners, the Zoonoses have adopted the last Friday of each month as a fixed appointment for rabies vaccination in the unit, with no appointment required. Until then, all orders must be scheduled in advance.
“The Ministry of Health has developed this strategy to designate the last Friday of every month so that there will be an increase in demand from residents to bring their pets for preventive vaccination against rabies,” confirms Kino Soliani da Costa, head of the sector.
It is considered that although the Pasteur Institute showed in a study that rabies would have been extinct in the state of São Paulo for more than two decades, animal owners must vaccinate their animals. “It is important so that there is no risk to the animal’s health.”
Animals must be vaccinated from the age of four months. On the day of vaccination, if necessary, dogs should be carried on collars and muzzles. Cats should be in their own cages. Furthermore, sick animals cannot receive the vaccine.
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The Ministry of Health will hold a two-day rabies vaccination campaign for dogs and cats this weekend. Vaccination will be carried out on Friday the 27th from 8am to 4pm in the Zoonoses Surveillance Unit. On Sunday 29th, the team will be at Praça do Relógio, in Conjunto Euclides, from 8am to 4pm. In this case, you must schedule an appointment by calling (17) 3524-2445.
Emily Brontë is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, literature, and current affairs. She is dedicated to producing clear, accurate reporting that helps readers stay informed about developments in the UK and around the world.
