An initiative “Mission Rabies” has been launched to control rabies, a dreadful viral disease in humans and dogs, is back in Bhubaneswar.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Secretary Bishnupada Sethi held discussions with officials of his department in this regard here on Saturday.
The Worldwide Veterinary Services (WVS), UK, in collaboration with the Fisheries & ARD Department, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and the People for Animals (PFA), has taken the initiative. A team has arrived in the capital city to conduct both veterinary training programmes for veterinarians for 12 days from January 4 to 16. The team consists of two vet experts Dr Vinaya Bhagat, Senior Surgeon, WVS, India, Ooty and Dr Rahul R Nayar, Surgeon, WVS, Ooty, and six other experts.
For next seven days, a mass anti-rabies vaccination drive will be conducted in the city with highly-equipped and customised Mercedes Zetros 6x6 vehicle. The vehicle has an inbuilt operation theatre, a training lounge and sophisticated animal health emergency facilities.
Notably, in September 2013, the FARD Department, in collaboration with the BMC, the WVS and the PFA had also launched a “Mission Rabies”, under which 5,900 stray dogs were vaccinated in Bhubaneswar.
This time, six veterinary students will be trained for the ABC programme of stray dogs at the OUAT campus and anti-rabies vaccination for dogs.
However, the HIV mortality rate has declined during the period. While 74 patients died in 2002, the death toll was 168 in 2004, 162 in 2005, 156 in 2008, 140 in 2006 and 214 in 2009.
By the end of October 2015, 74 HIV infected persons have died, reports said.