The zoonosis program of the Ministry of Health carries out actions to prevent diseases in humans and pets in the 123 municipalities of the department.
Tunja, May 11, 2024. (UACP). The responsible ownership of dogs and cats is one of the objectives of the Boyacá Grande government and responds to the Public Animal Welfare Policy in order to prevent diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
With this articulated work carried out by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the aim is to promote disease prevention guidelines for owners of canines and felines in the department.
“It is necessary for the animal owner to understand the importance of deworming, vaccination and good nutrition for their pet, in addition to the consequences on human health that not being responsible with their pet may have. A responsible owner takes care of his pet and helps the animals enjoy good health and families protect themselves from possible zoonotic diseases,” said Jorge Enrique Suárez, professional of the zoonosis program at the Boyacá Health Secretariat.
Studies have shown that the company of dogs and cats contributes to the emotional, affective and psychological development of people, which is why providing them with the well-being and care necessary for their correct development allows for an adequate relationship between animals and human beings, a situation which also leads to preserving public health.
However, before adopting a dog or cat, you must take into account the possibility of ensuring food, space and protection in the ideal sanitary, environmental, cleaning and disinfection conditions of the place where they live, in addition to health care. .
“A responsible owner prevents his pet from becoming a risk to the health of the family, neighbors, other animals or the environment, which is why it is necessary to only maintain the number of dogs and cats that he can care for and vaccinate them once per year following a certified vaccination schedule against rabies. Also, deworm them regularly,” said the health professional.
The zoonosis program of the Ministry of Health provides the necessary guidance on measures to maintain health and prevent and control different animal diseases that may be a risk to human health. It is also recommended not to keep wild or exotic animals as pets.
“Responsible care can prevent the spread of pathologies such as rabies, among other parasitic and infectious diseases transmitted by pets and domestic animals,” Suárez commented.
According to experts and speakers at the recent responsible ownership talk at the Catholic University of Chile, there are more than 200 zoonotic diseases known worldwide, in addition to new diseases that are transmitted by vectors to dogs and cats.
The Boyacá Health Secretariat provides some care tips for pet owners:
– Remember that there are mandatory vaccines such as anti-rabies and other optional, but very necessary ones such as six-fold and eight-fold.
– Do not forget the elimination of external and internal parasites. Not only are they annoying for your pet, they are a threat to the health of your family.
– Neuter or sterilize your pets. Unwanted puppies can end up like street dogs and cats, without care. Females can be sterilized even before the first heat.
– Take your pet to the veterinarian at least once a year for a preventive checkup and vaccination.
If a person is attacked by a cat or dog, or is scratched or bitten, they should do the following:
– Wash the wound with plenty of soap and water.
– Go to a health center for immediate medical attention.
– Inform the local Health Secretariat about the aggression so that it can begin observing the aggressor animal.
– If possible, provide information about the attacking animal such as the owner’s name, address, breed, where it was at the time of the attack and, if possible, the vaccination schedule.
– If your dog attacked a person: do not give it away, do not hide it, do not kill it. Allow health authorities to observe you for 10 days after the attack.
– If your dog or cat is attacked or comes into contact with bats, inform the local Health Department.
– If your dog or cat changes behavior, becomes aggressive, dies suddenly or gets lost, inform the local Health Department.
(End/ Lorena Quintana – Communications Office of the Ministry of Health)
Communications and Protocol Administrative Unit.
Boyacá Governorate.
