World Rabies Day was commemorated in various districts across the state today by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services with a free anti-rabies vaccination drive.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), World Rabies Day is celebrated on 28 September every year to “raise awareness about rabies prevention and to highlight progress in defeating this horrifying disease.”
The day is also the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur – the French chemist and microbiologist who developed the first rabies vaccine.
This year marks the 16th World Rabies Day. The theme is ‘One Health, Zero Death’ which strives to show the connection of the environment with people and animals.
As the WHO states: “By collaborating and joining forces, engaging communities and committing to sustain dog vaccination, rabies can be eliminated.”
We bring a glimpse into how different districts in Nagaland marked World Rabies Day today.
WOKHA
Anti-rabies vaccination drive in Wokha on World Rabies Day.
In Wokha, the event was held at Veterinary Hospital Wokha.
Dr E Mhonlumi Lotha, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) Wokha, said rabies has no treatment but is preventable through vaccination, which makes the annual vaccination of pets very important.
The disease nearly always causes death and for this reason, anyone who may have risk of contracting rabies should receive immediate vaccination for protection, Dr Lotha stressed.
She further added that in case of a dog bite, we should not kill the animal but restrain it for ten days for observation and report to the nearest veterinary hospital for investigation.
After the programme, around 250 pet dogs were administered free anti-rabies vaccination. Apart from this annual activity, the department of AH&VS also organizes orientation programmes for village and block level farmers, livestock mela and awareness camps on emerging diseases in all the villages and block level. The department also conducts classical swine fever vaccination for pigs twice a year.
KIPHIRE
Anti-rabies vaccination drive in Kiphire on World Rabies Day.
The event was held at District Veterinary Hospital Kiphire.
Dr Wezolo Sami, CVO Kiphire, highlighted the significance of World Rabies Day, pointing out that the day is observed to promote the fight against rabies, raise awareness of its prevention and celebrate the achievements the world has made against this deadly disease.
Dr Wezolo mentioned that rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that is spread to people through the saliva of an infected animal. It is transmitted through animal bites usually from stray dogs or dogs that have not been vaccinated.
Free anti-rabies vaccination was conducted after the programme. Altogether, 50 dogs were vaccinated.
TUENSANG
A free vaccination drive for pet dogs was conducted at Old Medical Ward B Tuensang.
In the opening remark, Dr Aojongshi, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, explained briefly the importance of vaccinating pet dogs and the safety for human beings in doing so. He also advised all the dog owners gathered to vaccinate dogs above three years of age on a yearly basis.
MOKOKCHUNG
Anti-rabies vaccination drive in Mokokchung on World Rabies Day.
The Mokokchung Municipal Council, All Wards Union, Mokokchung and the Department of AH&VS organized a free anti-rabies vaccination prograame in Mokokchung to mark World Rabies Day.
CHÜMOUKEDIMA
Anti-rabies vaccination drive in Chümoukedima on World Rabies Day.
Chümoukedima District observed World Rabies Day at Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC) Hall.
Dr Kuzo Vadeo, ADC Chümoukedima and the Administrator CTC, advised the pet owners to avail of the opportunities provided by the government from time to time and also reminded them of the importance of follow-up check-ups for the benefit of the pets and the public as well.
The ADC who is also a veterinary doctor flagged off the vaccination camp by administering the first dose to a Labrador pet.
Dr E Kepfoh, Chief Veterinary Officer Chumoukedima, informed that there is no specific treatment for rabies once symptoms appear and therefore emphasized the importance of giving timely rabies injections to the pets for prevention.
Altogether, 150 pets got vaccinated on the day.
PEREN
Kuroiler chicks and feed were distributed on World Rabies Day 2022 in Peren.
Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Peren Township, World Rabies Day 2022 was celebrated at Peren Town Hall.
Dr Namsui Thou, Chief Veterinary, in his keynote address, spoke on the importance of how to avoid rabies and the precautionary measures to prevent the disease. He also stressed on the carelessness attitude of the community and advised the gathering to be cautious with their pets to lessen rabies infections.
Representing the technical section, Dr Lhuveta, VAS Peren, also spoke on the theme, while VAS Tening, Dr Suiyipeube shared the importance of housing, vaccination procurement, feeding, management and feeding in regards to poultry farming.
Other highlights included providing free anti-rabies vaccination and distribution of Kuroiler chicks and feed to the participants.
KOHIMA
Anti-rabies vaccination drive in Kohima on World Rabies Day.
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services has been conducting free vaccine drives from the start of this year in different places in Kohima and in villages under Kohima District. Until now, the vaccination drive has covered around seven to eight localities around Kohima.
The department had 2,500 free doses in the beginning of the drive. With some doses still available, the drive will continue to be held until all the doses have been administered.
Today the drive was conducted in Meriema and in the Veterinary Hospital campus. 74 pets in Meriema and 69 in the campus were vaccinated today.
The department will take on the vaccination drive again tomorrow in Naga Hospital colony.
