Mass rabies vaccination underway in Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, August 19 2021: In view of the preva lent cases of rabies, the District Veterinary Department, Ukhrul on Thursday began a mass anti-rabies vaccination of dogs in different localities of the town and in villages of the district.

Altogether 130 dogs were inoculated with the vaccine in the town on Thursday.

A total of 50 dogs from Kahum tang, 30 dogs from Tangrei, 25 dogs each from Naphangtang and Awungtang localities have been vaccinated, said an official source from the department.

It said that similar rabies vaccination drive has started in some villages of the district.

"Practically, rabies vaccination has been going on in the district, depending on the demand from localities and private dog owners," it said.

However, most of the demands for the vaccine from the public are for protection of their animal from the viral disease.

"We know there have been cases of rabies in the district currently, but we have not received any official report of the same from the public so far," the source said.

The recent death of a woman due to rabies is the only official case of rabies in the district because it was publicised in the media.

"This incident has made the people more concerned and seek protection for themselves and others and their pets," it said.

The victim, a resident of Tangrei in Ukhrul town, succumbed to the viral disease on August 16, four days after she developed the symptoms of breathlessness and disorientation.

She was bitten by a stray dog on May 2.However, she did not seek any medical aid as the bite was thought to be minor.

Following the rabies casualty, .the department on August 18 announced a mass vaccination of dogs and cats against rabies at Tangrei and its surrounding areas starting from August 19.There are also reports of suspected rabid dogs roaming around and attempting to bite passers-by in Hamleikhong and other parts of the township.

On August 18, the district administration of Ukhrul also issued an order calling for all dog owners in the district to compulsorily inoculate their pets with anti-rabies vaccine.

The same order stipulated that dog owners restrain their dogs from free movement outside their respective residences.

"They shall be accountable for any untoward incidences in the event of their failure to comply with the instruction," the order further cautioned dog owners.

Earlier on August 16, All Hunphun Tang Association (AHTA), a conglomeration of 27 localities in the town, notified all dog owners to get their animals vaccinated against the viral disease.

Notifying that all dog owners must inoculate their animals with anti-rabies, the association further directed all dog owners to chain up their animals and not let them outside their houses.

"If any dog owners act against the directive, they shall be doing so at their own risk," it warned.

AHTA asked all its constituent localities to make the announcement in their respective jurisdictions.

Comment