World Rabies Day: “Breaking Rabies Boundaries” to Achieve Zero Human Rabies Deaths by 2030

The United Nations⁣ declares ⁢September 28 every year ⁤as⁢ “World Rabies Day”. This year’s theme is “Breaking Rabies Boundaries”, aiming to ⁤break down international distances and ⁣strengthen cooperation, make vaccines more accessible and strive to increase public awareness. Thanks to the joint efforts of all ​sectors of society, ‌there have been⁣ no cases‌ of rabies infection in ⁣Macao for more than 40 years.

More than 70% Vaccine Coverage: Effective Prevention of Rabies

Rabies is a ‍zoonotic disease ‌that spreads across species ‍and⁤ borders. ‌According to⁣ research ⁤by the World ​Health Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health, if the​ pet dog rabies vaccine coverage‌ in a region reaches more⁣ than 70%, it‌ can effectively prevent local⁣ rabies outbreaks. ⁤To prevent and ‌control rabies, we must adopt the concept of “health as⁤ one”. Local‌ governments and ​people from‍ different sectors, ⁤including vaccine manufacturers, medical personnel, veterinarians, pet ⁢industry⁣ and​ pet owners,⁤ etc., ⁣work together to build ​a protective network against rabies.

Take Your Dog for Rabies Vaccination on Time

Currently, there have been no cases of‌ human or animal infection ⁤with rabies in Macao‌ for‌ more than 40 years. In order to continue to promote ​relevant disease prevention and control ​work, the Municipal Affairs ‌Bureau has been⁤ committed to⁢ implementing a number of measures, ⁣including inspection and quarantine of exotic animals, ​vaccination ‌of local dogs and cats, organizing health education lectures on⁣ animal epidemic prevention, educating the public on rabies and its impact, ⁤etc.

At the same time, in ‍order to urge owners to regularly bring their‍ dogs for rabies ⁣vaccination and booster doses, the Municipal Affairs Bureau will also send ⁤reminder text messages to registered owners. If members ​of the public are accidentally​ bitten or ​scratched by an animal, they should immediately wash the wound repeatedly and thoroughly with soap and water, and go to the hospital‍ as soon ‌as ‌possible to⁣ receive⁤ appropriate treatment.

Cross-Regional Vaccination Service is Set Up to Facilitate Pet Owners

Pet owners can take ‌their dogs and​ cats to ‌receive rabies vaccination during ⁢the‌ office​ hours of the Macao or Coloane Municipal⁤ Kennel. ‌In ​order to further facilitate owners ​to apply for relevant services during⁢ non-office hours,‍ the Municipal Affairs Bureau set up “Dog⁣ License ⁤Application and Renewal Mobile Service Stations” in various districts across​ Macao from ⁣January to February ⁢this year. During December,‍ “Furry Child Preparation‌ Classes – Pet Information Stations” were held in‌ many ⁤districts across Macao to promote animal epidemic prevention ⁤and health education information in the community. Rabies prevention and vaccination⁣ service stations were also set up on site to enhance the public’s understanding of rabies and ⁤fulfill animal husbandry‍ obligations.