Cochabamba extends pet vaccination campaign to avoid fines

The Municipal Government of Cochabamba and the Servicio Departamental de Salud (SEDES) extended a rabies vaccination campaign until Sunday to immunize dogs and cats.

Health Secretary Aníbal Cruz stated that officials want to exceed 80% vaccination coverage to meet World Health Organization recommendations. Because the previous weekend only reached 70% coverage, the local government expanded the period for pet owners to visit health centers.

Diego Prudencio, the director of Zoonosis, confirmed that 30 health centers have the vaccines and staff necessary to treat the population before the deadline. Authorities will begin issuing fines of 500 Bolivianos per dog starting Monday to owners who fail to vaccinate their pets. This measure follows Municipal Law 1147/2022. Mireya Zapata of the Red Cercado del SEDES urged residents to visit the clinics directly rather than waiting for mobile brigades to arrive.

Officials also plan to conduct sweeps in areas with low vaccination rates starting Monday.