Global Rabies Prevention Initiative Starts Locally:
Nationwide Free Rabies Vaccinations in Belize for World Rabies Day
Central Farm, September 2011 – In Belize City, Belmopan, Corozal, Punta Gorda and San Ignacio a global grassroots campaign is taking shape. This year, the Veterinary Association of Belize (VAB), Belize Humane Society and the Institute for Sustainable International Studies (ISIS) will be teaming up with international rabies experts to celebrate World Rabies Day on September 28.
Following are locations, dates and veterinarians or Humane Society where free rabies vaccinations will be offered:
Belmopan: October 1st – Dr. Orlando Baptist; phone # 620 1099
Corozal area: October 1st – Dr. Myers; phone # 601 6890
Punta Gorda: September 28th Oct. 1st – Dr. Palacio; phone # 702 2198
San Ignacio: October 1st – Dr. Tesecum; phone # 601 3275
San Pedro: September 28th – Dr. Orlando Baptist (SAGA); phone # 620 1099
Belize City: October 2nd 9 am – 3 pm YWCA, St. Thomas Street and Constitution Park: Humane Society and Public Health Department
Cayo area: October 1st – Dr. Paquet-Durand; phone #668 3251; Dr. Gongorra; phone #6297160
Please call the veterinarian closest to you to find out more. Or just go to the clinics listed above on the given date and receive free rabies vaccination and information, as long as supplies last.
“We saw this as an opportunity to highlight the rabies prevention and control efforts in our community, while teaming up with people around the world towards a common goal,” says Dr. Mike Tewes, President of the Veterinary Association of Belize.
Founded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alliance for Rabies Control, a UK charity, the World Rabies Day initiative aims to bring together relevant partners in an effort to address rabies prevention and control. “This is a coordinated effort to let the world know that this disease can be readily prevented through education, pet vaccination and increased human awareness as to proper wound management and administration of rabies vaccination after an exposure has occurred”, says Dr. Deborah Briggs, Executive Director for the Alliance for Rabies Control.
“Rabies prevention starts with the animal owner,” advises Dr. Tewes. “It is recommended that people vaccinate dogs, cats, and any other animal that has regular contact with humans, such as horses.”
Additional information is at www.worldrabiesday.org or by calling Dr. Paquet-Durand, Secretary for the Veterinary Association of Belize.
