India Advances Rabies Control Efforts with National Webinar on World Rabies Day

New Delhi: On the eve of World Rabies Day, Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, chaired a National Webinar aimed at ramping up the country’s efforts to eliminate dog-mediated rabies. The virtual event saw participation from over 1,000 attendees, including officers from State Veterinary Departments, Veterinary Universities, Animal Welfare Boards, and NGOs across India.

In her keynote address, Upadhyaya emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to control and ultimately eliminate rabies. She urged all stakeholders to pledge their commitment to the cause, stressing that “the deadly rabies virus must be stopped using the best available prevention and control technologies.” Highlighting the crucial role of Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions in the Mass Dog Vaccination (MDV) program, she proposed a dedicated workshop with these bodies to streamline implementation and ensure continuous monitoring of vaccination efforts. According to Smt. Upadhyaya, MDV remains the most cost-effective method for rabies control.

Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, reinforced the need for mass vaccination and stray dog population control to manage and prevent rabies infections. He emphasized that the increasing population of stray dogs presents a significant challenge, making coordinated efforts between Urban Local Bodies, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and State Animal Husbandry Departments essential.

Sarita Chauhan, Joint Secretary (Livestock Health), spoke on the importance of public awareness campaigns, particularly among children, and responsible pet ownership. She called for coordinated efforts across various departments to increase dog vaccinations and curb the spread of rabies. Chauhan also praised the success stories from Goa, Kerala, and Sikkim, which have made significant strides in rabies control through mass vaccination, sterilization programs, and public awareness campaigns. These states were recognized for their novel practices, and other regions were encouraged to adopt similar models for their rabies elimination efforts.

Dr. Simmi Tiwari, Joint Director and Head of the Centre for One Health at the National Centre for Disease Control, provided an update on India’s National Rabies Control Program. This program, which aims to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030, has been collaborating internationally and offers technical support to neighboring countries. Key strategies in the program include mass dog vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent the spread of the disease.

In another presentation, Dr. Sharda from the Department of Microbiology at Karnataka Veterinary, Animal, and Fisheries Science University, discussed advancements in rabies diagnosis. Presentations from State Animal Husbandry Departments in Goa, Kerala, and Sikkim showcased their successful rabies elimination programs, demonstrating how mass vaccination, sterilization, and public awareness campaigns can be effectively executed.