Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 29: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (A&N Islands), local civic bodies, today joined in observing World Rabies Day. The 2025 theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community”, highlights the shared responsibility of citizens, veterinarians, health workers, and authorities in eliminating rabies.
On this occasion mass sterilization and vaccination programme was organized at Veterinary Dispensary Polyclinic, Livestock Farm Complex Dollygunj. Total 12 females were neutered and 22 dogs were vaccinated. On this event Dr. A.K. Naveen, Director, AH &VS, Haddo Sri Vijya Puram, Dr. Ramakrishnan, Dr. Kuldeep Dawande Senior Veterinary Officer, VH, Junlighat, Dr. Subramanium and Dr. Sivarani, Senior Veterinary Officer, VH, Garacharama, Dr. Sunita Roy, Dr. Sabitawati, Dr. Inderajit Kaur, Dr. Satish Kumar , Dr. Subhash Palve and Dr. Bhojane Nagnath, Senior Veterinary Officers from Composite Livestock Farm, Dollygunj participated in mass sterilization programmes in Dogs.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands remain among the few regions in India officially considered rabies-free. No confirmed cases of rabies in humans or animals have ever been reported in the islands. However, experts caution that being rabies-free does not mean being risk-free, especially with increasing inter-island and mainland movements of people and animals.
Speaking on the occasion, officials emphasized the importance of dog bite wound management, timely vaccination, and public awareness as life-saving measures. Awareness rallies, school lectures, and interactive sessions with pet owners were held across Sri Vijaya Puram and adjoining areas to educate the public about preventive care.
Community organizations and veterinary staff also raised concerns about stray dog management, pointing to the need for stronger shelter facilities, sterilization, and vaccination drives. Residents were urged to report animal bites promptly and to cooperate with local health centers.
The Director of Veterinary Department said: “Our islands are proud to be rabies-free, but we must remain vigilant. Public cooperation in vaccination, stray dog control, and awareness is the key to sustaining this status.”
World Rabies Day serves as a reminder that rabies is 100% preventable with timely care. The message from Andaman & Nicobar this year is clear: collective action by individuals, communities, and institutions is essential to keep the islands safe. Lastly, a vote of thanks was given by Dr. Bhojane Nagnath , Senior Veterinary Officer Veterinary Dispensary, Polyclinic, Dollygunj, Sri Vijya Puram. Mr. Ashish Halder, Mr. S. Gopal Rao, Mr. Trinath T. Vignesh and Mr. P. Saleem made a tireless effort to successfully conduct this programme.
