Vaccinate 800 thousand dogs and cats against rabies is the central goal of the new national campaign that activated the Ministry of Public Health this Friday across the Dominican Republic. The initiative, coordinated with Cecovez, mobilizes over 1,840 brigades to visit house by house and reinforce the prevention of animal rabies, especially in high-risk areas.
Mass Vaccination Campaign for 800 Thousand Dogs and Cats Against Rabies
During the days of November 7, 8, and 9, the operation will allow vaccinating 800 thousand dogs and cats against rabies through the free application of safe doses, as part of the national commitment to integral health and animal well-being. The vaccination points and mobile brigades will be present in neighborhoods, sectors, and communities of all provinces, as confirmed by Public Health.
Over One Million Doses Available and National Coverage
With over one million doses of the recognized Verorab vaccine, the plan aims to eliminate rabies transmitted by dogs before 2030, following recommendations from organizations such as the Pan American Health Organization. The operation includes at least 170 fixed points across the country, and 64 in the National District and Santo Domingo, located in parks, clubs, community centers, and strategic areas such as Los Mina and Villa Mella.
- Door-to-door campaigns to facilitate access
- Free vaccination and identification of brigades
- Reinforcement in high-density pet areas
Public Health Strengthens Rabies Surveillance
The Minister Víctor Atallah highlighted that vaccinating 800 thousand dogs and cats against rabies is an essential measure to protect the population and advance towards the eradication of the disease. Additionally, he recalled the existence of the Animal Protection Law and the importance of responsible pet care. The Ministry has strengthened epidemiological surveillance and personnel training to improve the detection and response to suspected cases, supporting their work alongside the Public Ministry.
Citizen Participation and Access Points
Citizens can consult the official list of vaccination points on the Ministry’s social media or on their institutional website. Experts remind that rabies is preventable if acted upon in time; after an animal attack, one should immediately go to a health center to receive the appropriate treatment.
Background and Regional Context
According to the World Health Organization, the Americas have significantly reduced human cases of rabies transmitted by dogs, although outbreaks still occur in communities with low vaccination coverage. Initiatives like vaccinating 800 thousand dogs and cats against rabies have demonstrated their effectiveness in neighboring countries.
The campaign to vaccinate 800 thousand dogs and cats against rabies is carried out every year, but this special campaign aims to cover the animals that have not yet received immunization. Thus, vaccinating 800 thousand dogs and cats against rabies not only responds to a sanitary commitment, but also to the integral protection of Dominican families and the firm advance towards the elimination of the disease.
