Rabies claims 4 in last few weeks
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 19 2024:
Informing that at least four persons have died of rabies in the last few weeks, Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry RK Khogendrajit said that the Government has taken up measures to prevent transmission of the viral disease.
Rabies (also known as mad dog disease) is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.
A meeting of Veterinary officials chaired by RK Khogendrajit was held at the office of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services at Sanjenthong today and discussed the preventive measures to stop the spread of rabies.
Speaking to the media at Sanjenthong after the meeting, the Veterinary Director appealed to all concerned to vaccinate their pet dogs against rabies.
He also said that the Government has been holding a vaccination drive against rabies annually.
Further appealing to all concerned to vaccinate their pet animals and keep them healthy, RK Khogendrajit said that the department found four dogs being infected by rabies in the last few months (one each in November, December, February and March) .
The results were confirmed after a lab test at Bengaluru, he informed.
Saying that the meeting resolved to carry a vaccination drive against rabies at all veterinary hospitals in the State including on weekend and holidays, RK Khogendrajit added the same vaccination programme will also be held at its office at Sanjenthong.
He further said that the field staff have also been instructed to intensify the vaccination programme by taking the help of local clubs and CSOs.
Appealing to not kill pet dogs on mere suspicion of them being infected by rabies but consult experts and go for testing, he added that pet animals should be administered anti rabies vaccine.