Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Byungsoo) has been providing free rabies vaccines to local animal hospitals and operates a mass rabies vaccination period every year in both the first and second halves of the year.
This year, the second half vaccination period will be held at the Gimpo City Companion Animal Public Medical Center for 30 days from October 1 to October 30, and at 38 designated animal hospitals in Gimpo City for 10 days from October 15 to October 24.
In addition, for Daegot-myeon, Wolgot-myeon, and Haseong-myeon, where there are no specialized animal hospitals for companion animals, residents can apply for a preliminary vaccination through the administrative welfare center. On designated dates between October 27 and October 29, they can have their pets vaccinated by a Gimpo City public veterinarian at the village hall.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Since the disease has a high fatality rate once symptoms appear, it is recommended that all pet dogs receive a preventive vaccination once a year.
The eligible recipients are companion dogs aged three months or older that have been registered in Gimpo City. Owners can bring their dogs to any of the designated animal hospitals in the area for the vaccination, with a co-payment of 10,000 won.
Lee Jaejun, Director of the Gimpo City Agricultural Technology Center, stated, "As our city is a border area, there is a risk of contact with wild animals and thus a risk of rabies outbreaks. However, rabies can be fully prevented through vaccination, so it is important for the health of both citizens and their pets. In particular, dogs kept outdoors are more likely to come into contact with wild animals, so vaccination is absolutely essential."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
