Potosí’s Health Alert: Get Your Pets Vaccinated Against Rabies
In an effort to prevent further cases of rabies in the region, the Departmental Health Service (Sedes-Potosí) urges Potosí residents to vaccinate their pets to prevent the spread of this deadly disease among animals and humans.
In 2024, the Ministry of Health and Sports reported 70 cases of canine rabies and three human rabies cases across six departments. Chuquisaca leads with 30 canine rabies cases, followed by Cochabamba with 20, and Potosí with 3. Unfortunately, three human cases, all fatal, were registered in Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, and Sucre.
Potosí’s first canine rabies case was reported on February 5 in the capital city’s Calle 12 de Octubre. A cooker spaniel owned by a local family was attacked by another dog while being taken for vaccination.
The second case was detected in March in Chaquí Municipality’s Don Diego locality.
In November, the third case was reported after a pet was brought to Potosí from Cochabamba by its owner. The dog had spent two months in Cochabamba before arriving in Tarija and then being transported to Potosí.
To prevent future cases, Sedes-Potosí recommends that pet owners ensure their animals receive the rabies vaccine. Dr. Juanito Pérez, the head of Sedes-Potosí’s Veterinary Division, emphasizes, "Vaccination is key to controlling rabies. It’s our best tool for protecting both our pets and ourselves from this deadly disease."
For more information on rabies vaccination campaigns and locations, residents can contact Sedes-Potosí at [SERTYC number] or visit their website at [Sedes-Potosí website]. Let’s work together to keep Potosí safe and rabies-free.