A.P.S. to offer free dog vaccination in Savai'i

By Ueni Peauala Pauulu 26 July 2021, 6:00PM

Animal Protection Society will offer free vaccinations and flea and worm treatment for dogs on the big island of Savai’i next month.

The veterinary service from August 2–6 is being made possible thanks to the generosity of the British High Commission in Apia.

APS veterinarian Dr Harriet Thornton, said in response to questions sent by the Samoa Observer that their free vaccination service will mainly target infectious diseases that are fatal for puppies.

”We are aiming to protect animals with a free vaccination against the main infectious diseases that cause death in puppies: Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Distemper,” Dr Thornton said in her email response. 

“We also aim to collect data about the number and health condition of dogs in Savai’i to plan any future trips.”

The veterinary intervention by the A.P.S. on the big island targeting the animals can also minimise the risks associated with zoonotic parasites, according to the veterinarian.

“We want to provide as many dogs of all ages free parasite treatments in order to prevent the spread of disease and protect the community against possible zoonotic (human transmissible) parasites such as the Toxocara worm. 

“Our aim is to provide advice and education on reducing the risk of transmissible diseases from animals in Samoa to make our animal and human communities as healthy and happy as possible.”

The A.P.S. believes in the mantra that “healthy, happy animals create healthy, happy communities”, which can be achieved through the parasite treatments that would become available and accessible to Savaii. 

“As usual our Upolu clients can continue to access our clinic at Vailima from 9am-3pm Monday to Friday.

“This Savaii service will be mobile and for one week only residents of Savaii can register to have a visit from our team. In order to register, we are asking that they follow our Facebook page ‘APS Samoa’ and send us a message with their name, phone number and village in order to receive a visit. Alternatively, we can be contacted at the clinic on 22403 during our working hours.”

“The A.P.S. team in Savaii will comprise of Danielle Samways (Veterinary Nurse), Tino (Veterinary Assistant) and Leisha (Administrative Assistant) and they are happy to chat about all your veterinary concerns! During our visit to Savaii, our clinic in Vailima will remain open to continue to service Upolu and will be manned by Dr Harriet and Veterinary Assistant Taimane.

“We are mindful that Savaii have not had an opportunity to be visited by a mobile service since 2019 when South Pacific Animal Welfare (SPAW) did a desexing visit and so we are urging as many people as possible to take advantage of this one-week only trip.”

“Again we thank The British High Commission in Apia for funding this vital work.”

By Ueni Peauala Pauulu 26 July 2021, 6:00PM
Samoa Observer

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