Mass anti-rabies vaccination drive begins today
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 19 2024:
In the wake of report of death of at least four persons due to dog bite in a week, director (veterinary & animal husbandry) RK Khogendrajit convened an emergency meeting with district level joint directors and deputy directors on Tuesday.
The meeting decided to take up immediate steps for mass anti-rabies vaccination with entire staff of the department advised to work even on Sundays and holidays.
The meeting also decided to open veterinary hospitals even during Sundays and holidays to make available anti-rabies vaccine to public.
After the meeting, RK Khogendrajit told media persons that there is report of demise of at least four persons after being bitten by dogs in a week and the department took the report very seriously.
Accordingly, the department decided to take up immediate steps for mass anti-rabies vaccination and preparation for the same had started.
According to RK Khogendrajit, one case of rabid dog bite was reported at veterinary hospital, Sanjenthong in November, 2023 and another case in December, 2023.One each case of rabid dog bite was also reported in February and March this year with samples of all four cases sent for testing at Bangalore returning positive for rabies.
The department has been taking up anti-rabies vaccination and also provided vaccines at free of cost for diseases prone to domestic animals like FMD, Black Quarter and Haemorrhage Sesamia, he said.
With the detection of at least four cases of rabid dog bite very recently, the department decided to open state veterinary hospital as well as district veterinary hospitals to open even on Sundays and holidays for anti-rabies vaccination.
Even though staff of the department could not conduct house-to-house vaccination, the department has been taking up anti-rabies vaccination with local clubs and civil society organisations at suitable places.
The vaccination drive will be intensified from Wednesday onwards, RK Khogendrajit informed media persons during the press conference also attended by senior administrative office Th Selina and joint director (administration) Dr L Arunkumar.
The director also appealed dog owners to visit nearest veterinary hospitals for confirmation if their pets are suspicious of contracting rabies.