The City Government of Davao, through the Animal Bite Center of the City Health Office (CHO), is urging all Dabawenyos to be more responsible in looking after their pets as the center observed an increase in the number of animal bite and scratch cases in the second quarter of this year.
According to Animal Bite Center Head Dr. Fe Consuelo T. Plania, in an interview with the City Information Office Friday, there is a significant rise in the number of clients they had to administer anti-rabies and tetanus toxoid shots to during the quarter. This, as the office also observed a steady rise in animal bite and scratch cases each year. This is largely due to the increasing number of individuals from neighboring regions who would come to the city to avail of the affordable treatment and care here.
Plania said that the Animal Bite Center caters to 300-350 patients each day. She said, “We are serving not only Dabawenyos ha, but also outside of Davao City. All patients coming in, we are not supposed to refuse. Bawal gyud na sa amo mubalibad (We are not allowed to refuse patients). We have to accept patients, treat them as patients. And give them the favor that they need, the services that we have to render for them so that they can feel comfortable with us. Unya ma-feel pud nila (Then, they can also feel) how Dabawenyos can serve them as a whole through the City Government of Davao.”
In the second quarter of 2022, the center has served a total of 5,716 patients, a significantly higher figure than the 4,238 patients catered to in the first quarter of 2022. Of the 5,716 cases from the last quarter, 2,199 are pediatric patients 15 years old and younger.
Of the total 9,954 recorded animal bite cases in the first half of the year, 7,016 cases involved dogs while 2,931 were cat-related cases; 5 cases involved monkeys and two cases involved pigs.
Plania said that although the animal bite cases in the city are rising, the center is still able to deliver treatment to all patients. In addition, the center continues to strive in making its services even more affordable and accessible to all by waving service charges (the P50 for dressing and P130 for anti-rabies vaccine and tetanus toxoid) for marginalized social groups.
“Libre dinhi ang senior, PWD … And then also, we have to check the indigenous patients. Makita man nimo sa ilang data because we have to check tapos di na namo sila pabayron. Dili pwede nga mahadlang na ang serbisyo namo gumikan lang wala’y kwarta ang pasyente (Senior citizens and PWDs are exempted from service charges. And then also, we have to check the indigenous patients. We look at their data to check and then we waive the fees. Our service must not be hindered just because the patients lack money),” Plania added.
On the other hand, the center is eyeing to make Davao City rabies-free by 2030; the animal bite center is encouraging community-based information campaigns at the barangay levels to achieve this goal. Plania said it is vital to educate pet owners on responsible pet ownership. And, since a major fraction of animal bite cases are pediatric cases, preventive measures, such as education campaigns, must be endeavored holistically by the family unit, schools and local authorities. Dabawenyos are also reminded to educate themselves on laws regulating pet ownership.
“We should know our limitations. Number one, we have to know ang balaod ana. Three months ang iro and iring, start na sa vaccination. And kinahanglan ang iro ug iring dili na sila magtambay sa gawas, chances are mamaak gyud na. So kinhanglan makakulong or matali na sa sulod sa balay. Unya kinahanglan ang pet owners should be accountable sa ilang iring ug iro kung makapaak na” Plania warned (We have to know the laws surrounding this. Dogs and cats that are three months old can be vaccinated. And dogs and cats must not be allowed to linger outside, chances are they will really bite someone. So, they must stay inside the home. Also, pet owners should be accountable for their dogs and cats when they bite),” Plania warned.
From January to June of this year, 5 mortality cases due to rabies were recorded in Davao City. CIO
