The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, through the Byrnihat Dispensary, conducted a mass vaccination drive of dogs today in Jorbil Killing village, Ri-Bhoi, following the death of a woman due to rabies.
The drive was led by Dr Aiban Fancon along with staff from the department.
Yesterday, the Health Department visited the same village to conduct an awareness programme on the dangers of rabies, which can pass to humans from the bites of dogs, cats and other animals that could be carrying the virus. Prevention is key as once a person or animal shows symptoms of rabies death inevitably follows.
These measures were prompted after a woman from the village died after being bitten by a dog suspected to be infected with rabies. In light of this, the authorities provided free anti-rabies vaccinations to the villagers’ pets. Dozens of dogs were successfully vaccinated today.
Dr Fancon praised the villagers for actively participating and bringing their dogs to be vaccinated. He said that vaccination is the most effective way to combat the spread of rabies, which poses a threat not only to animals but also to humans if left unchecked.
