Wokha, September 28 (MExN): The Wokha District Health Society, in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry organised a seminar and mass dog vaccination campaign to commemorate World Rabies Day at Veterinary Hospital, saron colony, Wokha on September 28.
The theme of this year’s World Rabies Day was ‘All for 1, One Health for all’, which emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination among different sectors and stakeholders to prevent and eliminate rabies, a deadly zoonotic disease that affects both humans and animals.
In a press release press release from Chief Medical Officer’s office, Wokha, it stated that the seminar on rabies prevention and control was held at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department. Various aspects of rabies epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention were discussed.
Dr Khesheli Awomi, District Epidemiologist appreciated the efforts of all the departments and agencies involved in the observation of World Rabies Day 2023. She urged the public to take advantage of the free dog vaccination services provided by the government and to adopt responsible pet ownership practices. She also appealed to the people to report any suspected cases of rabies to the nearest health facility or veterinary centre for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Dr Awomi stressed that rabies is a preventable disease and that everyone has a role to play in achieving the global goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
The District Surveillance Officer of Wokha, Dr K William Humtsoe highlighted the achievements of the district in rabies prevention and control. He informed that no human death due to rabies has been reported in the district so far. He attributed this success to the effective implementation of the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), which provides free anti-rabies vaccines (ARV) and immunoglobulins (RIG) to all animal bite victims at designated health facilities in the district. He also mentioned that trained staff provides wound care, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to animal bite victims.
The District livestock development Officer (DLDO) of Wokha, Dr E Mhonlumi, spoke about the importance of dog population management and vaccination as key strategies to prevent rabies transmission from dogs to humans. She also said that the department has been providing free dog vaccination services throughout the year and appealed to all dog owners to vaccinate their dogs annually and to keep them confined or leashed to prevent roaming and biting.
The mass dog vaccination campaign was conducted at Veterinary office Wokha, covering more than 500 dogs.
