Free mass vaccination campaign launched for Dogs in Shillong amid rising Rabies cases

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 9, 2024

In response to the increasing number of dog bite cases in the East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, the Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of DAPRE announced a significant initiative aimed at curbing the spread of rabies.

According to the press release, the Deputy Commissioner stated that dog bite cases are on the rise every year in the District with 2512 cases in 2022 and 5085 cases in 2023. Cases have doubled since 2022 and more than 80% of the case being reported are from urban areas. Bite or scratch by a rabid dog can cause rabies disease in humans which infects the Brain and the spinal cord.

Rabies is a 100% fatal disease but is also 100% preventable through mass dog vaccination, animal control and immediate post-exposure vaccination prophylaxis of humans with history of scratch or bite by a suspected Rabid animal. There is no cure for this disease and an infected person loses his life after 3-4 days of showing symptoms of hydrophobia and aerophobia.

In view of the increase in dog bite cases in the District and the Government of India’s goal to eliminate dog-mediated Rabies by 2030, the District Joint Steering Committee on Rabies Elimination is organizing a free mass vaccination campaign for both pet dogs and street dogs from 11-18 March 2024.

The vaccination campaign will be held at various venues across the district, including government schools, community halls and indoor facilities. The schedule is as follows:

11-03-2024: Govt. Basic School, Mawlai Nongkwar
12-03-2024: Nongmynsong Community Hall
13-03-2024: Lawsohtun Community Hall
14-03-2024: Madanrting Indoor Hall
15-03-2024: DHS Complex, Laitumkhrah
18-03-2024: Umpling

All the responsible pet owners are requested to bring their pet dogs for Vaccination at the abovementioned vaccination sites and protect your pet friend, your family and your neighborhood from Rabies disease.

Image by BedexpStock from Pixabay