At the beginning of August, the town of **Comandancia Frías**, located in the heart of the Impenetrable Chaco and near the border with Salta, was the scene of a free zoonosis operation that brought together professionals and volunteers. The initiative, organized by the group **Veterinarians Friends of El Impenetrable**, sought to ensure [medical care](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/ituzaingo-impulsa-operativos-de-zoonosis-para-cuidar-a-las-mascotas-y-fortalecer-el-vinculo-con-la-comunidad/) for the **animals** in one of the most isolated regions of the province.
Fifteen participants, including veterinarians, students, and collaborators, worked throughout the day. In total, **more than 160 animals** were treated, of which 60 underwent surgeries. The deployment included sterilizations, rabies vaccination, deworming, and general clinical checks, achieving a direct impact on **animal** and community [health](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/ituzaingo-impulsa-operativos-de-zoonosis-para-cuidar-a-las-mascotas-y-fortalecer-el-vinculo-con-la-comunidad/).
Volunteers organized their tasks in two sectors: an operating room with surgeons, anesthetists, and assistants, and a clinical area for vaccinations and general consultations. The most common cases were related to **scabies, fleas, and ticks**, common problems in overcrowded environments, poor nutrition, and lack of access to **veterinary services**.
In addition to the care for dogs and cats, advice was also provided to small producers of **goats**, a key element in the local family economy. The guidance included information on diseases, prevention of outbreaks, and care measures that strengthen the [food security](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/ituzaingo-impulsa-operativos-de-zoonosis-para-cuidar-a-las-mascotas-y-fortalecer-el-vinculo-con-la-comunidad/) of rural communities.
## The role of zoonosis operations in neighborhoods
These operations play a vital role in territories where there are no permanent **veterinary care centers**. Access to mass sterilizations helps control **animal overpopulation** and prevents the spread of diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as rabies or leptospirosis.
Free **vaccination** is another key tool. In locations far from urban centers, ensuring the basic health schedule for dogs and cats prevents epidemiological risks that affect both domestic animals and [wildlife](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/ituzaingo-impulsa-operativos-de-zoonosis-para-cuidar-a-las-mascotas-y-fortalecer-el-vinculo-con-la-comunidad/). Thus, the operations become a public health strategy that goes beyond individual care.
Furthermore, direct contact with neighbors promotes [environmental education](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/ituzaingo-impulsa-operativos-de-zoonosis-para-cuidar-a-las-mascotas-y-fortalecer-el-vinculo-con-la-comunidad/) and citizen commitment. Through talks and house-to-house visits, the veterinary teams explain the importance of responsible care for pets, hygiene in homes, and the protection of [natural resources](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/ituzaingo-impulsa-operativos-de-zoonosis-para-cuidar-a-las-mascotas-y-fortalecer-el-vinculo-con-la-comunidad/), building ecological awareness at the community level.
## A day with community participation
The operation took place at the EEP 780 “Padre Severiano Ayastuy Errasti” school, a space that neighbors attended after being publicized on local radios and contacting neighborhood leaders. In several cases, the volunteers themselves visited homes to encourage participation and build trust in families who had never taken their **animals** for a consultation.
The coordination with the community allowed not only the care of pets but also livestock animals. The advice to producers strengthened the prevention of [diseases in livestock](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/ituzaingo-impulsa-operativos-de-zoonosis-para-cuidar-a-las-mascotas-y-fortalecer-el-vinculo-con-la-comunidad/), avoiding economic losses and reinforcing local food security.
## Challenges and future commitments
The deployment highlighted the difficulties of sustaining this type of initiative. Resources come from solidarity contributions, institutional collaborations, and the [support of municipalities](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/ituzaingo-impulsa-operativos-de-zoonosis-para-cuidar-a-las-mascotas-y-fortalecer-el-vinculo-con-la-comunidad/) such as Fuerte Esperanza, administratively dependent on Comandancia Frías.
The poor conditions of the roads and the lack of adequate transportation represent permanent obstacles to transporting teams and professionals. However, the group’s commitment remains strong: the goal is to [expand the operations](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/ituzaingo-impulsa-operativos-de-zoonosis-para-cuidar-a-las-mascotas-y-fortalecer-el-vinculo-con-la-comunidad/), add more participants, and cover a larger territory in the future.
With each day, a central premise is reinforced: **[animal health](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/el-exito-del-programa-municipal-de-zoonosis-de-cordoba-en-siete-meses-se-castraron-mas-de-10-mil-animales-de-compania/)** is directly linked to community well-being and the [ecological sustainability](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/el-exito-del-programa-municipal-de-zoonosis-de-cordoba-en-siete-meses-se-castraron-mas-de-10-mil-animales-de-compania/) of the most marginalized territories.
