Shillong, Sep 28: The Tura Municipal Board (TMB) in collaboration with the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department conducted a free anti-rabies vaccination drive on Monday at the State Veterinary Dispensary, Brahminpara as part of World Rabies Day observance.
Veterinary personnel vaccinated more than 30 pet dogs and cats. Pet owners were also given free health supplements including multivitamin syrup, liver tonics and antifungal powder.
Officials said a recent survey in Tura indicated most dogs are owned or community-cared with virtually no unowned stray population, and consistent vaccination and responsible pet ownership can help eliminate rabies from the town. They advised starting vaccination at three months of age, with an additional dose after one month if the first dose is given earlier, followed by annual boosters.
At Ampati, the District Health Society, South West Garo Hills and District Veterinary Office also observed the day at the Vocational Training Centre on the theme ‘Stronger Together’.
Additional Deputy Commissioner SR Marak attended as the chief guest. Dr Matgrik K Sangma in his keynote stressed washing bite wounds with running water for 10-15 minutes and seeking immediate vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis.
District Veterinary Officer Dr Violine A Sangma called for taking rabies awareness to villages and coordination among communities, health and veterinary departments.
A poster, slogan and essay competitions for students were also conducted.
ICAR-KVK, West Garo Hills also held an awareness programme at Jenggitchakgre village where 25 villagers participated. Head of KVK Dr Monika Suresh Singh emphasized one health approach, while ACTO Dr Sagarika Borah took the technical session.
Speakers recalled that World Rabies Day marks the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur and reiterated that rabies is 100 per cent preventable – Prevent, Vaccinate, Save Lives.
