Rabies apprehension at Churachandpur; Vety Dept launches all out battle
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 15 2015: In view of the panicky situation gripping Churachandpur district headquarters and surrounding areas following outbreak of rabies in the form of an epidemic, the State's Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department has launched all possible measures to contain the situation, claimed the department's Director S Joute.

Briefing media persons at his Sanjenthong office today, Joute said that anti-rabies vaccination has been going on continuously apart from deputing additional staff to Churachandpur district.

Saying that he personally inspected the situation prevailing in Churachandpur district, Joute informed that his team included Joint Director Dr N Rajendro, Deputy Directors Dr Ch Nandakishore, Dr S Shantikumar and Dr P Krishnamohon.

So far 3163 anti-rabies vaccine doses have been administered free of cost.

This figure is inclusive of all the anti-rabies vaccine doses administered since October last year and those administered today at four different places.

Rabies apprehension at Churachandpur Vety Dept launches all out battle

Anti-rabies vaccination camps were held today at Tuibong, Salbung, Muolvaiphei and Pearson.

Arrangements are also being made to organise similar anti-rabies vaccination camps at other villages located away from Churachandpur district headquarters, Joute said.

Following reports of fatality due to rabies, the District Veterinary Office of Tuibong has been opened round the clock.

Moreover, a team from Imphal comprising doctors has been stationed at the office.

Quoting reports from the district administration, the Director informed that 11 persons have died since the outbreak of rabies in Churachandpur district.

In the meantime, the number of people coming for post-bite vaccines has been rising.

However this does not mean all the people coming for post-bite vaccines have been infected by rabies.

What is problematic is the slaughter of dogs which have bitten men.

If the dogs are infected by rabies, they will die between 10 to 15 days after they bite a person.

However, till date no sample or specimen of the head of a dog which has bitten a person has been submitted for laboratory test, said the Director.

In case a dog which has bitten a dog starts behaving abnormally, the dog must be kept in captivity at least for 15 days.

If the dog dies, its head should be submitted to the authority concerned for necessary laboratory tests.

If the dog survives even after 15 days, it cannot be assumed that the dog is suffering from rabies.

Wild dogs like foxes and jackals are natural carriers of the germs which spread rabies.

When these wild dogs fight with pet dogs, the latter get infected with rabies.

Rearing dogs by setting them free and taking dogs to hunting trips and fields may lead to infection by rabies, said the Veterinary Director.