Samarinda Provides 2,000 Free Rabies Vaccine Doses to Prevent Transmission

SAMARINDA - The Samarinda City Government, East Kalimantan, provides 2,000 doses of rabies vaccine for free for community pets to prevent the transmission of the disease to humans.

"We provide free rabies vaccination for animals that transmit rabies such as dogs, cats, civets, and monkeys as an early protection measure for the community and their beloved animals," said Head of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health of the Food and Agriculture Directorate of Samarinda City, Maskuri in Samarinda, Antara, Wednesday, May 13.

The provision of thousands of free doses of vaccine, he said, targets pet owners in maintaining environmental health from the risk of spreading viruses that attack the central nervous system.

He explained that the requirements for animals that will receive vaccinations are quite simple, namely that the animals must be ensured to be in good health, at least three months old, and not pregnant.

The relevant agency also offers easy service in the form of a mobile team that is ready to visit the owner's location directly if there are at least 10 animals vaccinated in one gathering point.

The effort to pick up the ball was deliberately designed to make it easier for animal lovers and residents at the neighborhood level to ensure that this year's vaccination coverage can reach the maximum number according to the target set.

"We target that 2,000 doses of vaccines prepared this year can be immediately fulfilled through the active participation of Samarinda residents who realize that rabies is a serious threat to human safety," said Maskuri.

People who want to register their pets can visit the Samarinda City Animal Clinic on Jalan Biola, by preparing data in the form of name, complete address, number and type of animal, and include an active WhatsApp number.

Samarinda residents are also urged to ensure that animals are always under safe control during the injection process, either by using a special animal cage or a binding rope for mutual comfort.

"This health service is to maintain the health of animals and local communities, which is basically the same as protecting all family members from the dangers of zoonosis," said Maskuri.