On March 30, 2025, the State of Mexico government will launch the State Canine and Feline Anti-Rabies Vaccination Day 2025, a significant initiative aimed at protecting companion animals throughout the region. This annual campaign, spearheaded by the State Health Secretariat, will run from March 30 to April 5, 2025, with a goal of administering an impressive 3.2 million doses of rabies vaccine.
The vaccination drive will see the establishment of 1,518 vaccination posts across all 125 municipalities in the State of Mexico, ensuring that residents have accessible options to vaccinate their pets. In addition to the posts, 772 brigadistas will be on hand to assist in the effort, providing support and guidance to pet owners.
As part of the campaign, the government is encouraging citizens to bring their pets in for vaccination, emphasizing the importance of immunizing animals against rabies. "For your health and your family’s health, vaccinate your dogs and cats against rabies," the Health Secretariat stated. Vaccination is crucial, as animals should receive their first rabies vaccine at one month old, followed by a booster at three months, and then annually for the rest of their lives.
The initiative is particularly timely, as the last reported case of human rabies in the State of Mexico occurred in 2005, while the last case in canines was in 2012. This highlights the effectiveness of previous vaccination efforts and the importance of maintaining high immunization rates to prevent future outbreaks.
Residents are advised to follow specific guidelines when attending the vaccination posts. It is recommended that one adult accompany each pet to ensure proper handling. Dogs must be leashed, and muzzles should be used if necessary. For cats, owners should transport them in a carrier, sack, or bag that allows for safe handling.
Interested pet owners can find the locations of vaccination brigades by visiting the official health department website. By selecting their municipality, they can view the specific sites available for vaccinations. Some municipalities, such as Ecatepec, will have more than 100 vaccination points, reflecting their larger populations and the need for increased access.
The vaccination times will generally be in the morning, between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, but specific hours may vary depending on the location. This flexibility aims to accommodate as many pet owners as possible, ensuring that they can take advantage of the free vaccinations.
In summary, the State Canine and Feline Anti-Rabies Vaccination Day 2025 represents a crucial step in safeguarding public health and the well-being of pets in the State of Mexico. The government’s commitment to providing free vaccinations underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and community health.
As the campaign unfolds, local authorities are hopeful that the community will respond enthusiastically, taking the opportunity to protect their beloved pets and contribute to a rabies-free environment. With the support of the Health Secretariat and the dedication of local brigadistas, this initiative aims to achieve its ambitious goal of vaccinating 3.2 million animals, reinforcing the message that prevention is key in the fight against rabies.
