Port Blair, Sept 28: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services celebrated the “World Rabies Day-2016” on 28th of September in a befitting manner. The highlight of the celebration was a seminar organized by the Department at the Veterinary Hospital Complex, Junglighat. The programme began by welcoming the guests with bouquets and lighting of the traditional lamp. Dr. N.P. Singh, Joint Director, AH & VS, welcomed the chief guest Dr. S. Shivkumar, Director, AH & VS, guest of honour, Dr. Jaisunder and Dr. M.S. Kundu, Principal Scientists, CIARI. He briefed on the significance of celebrating World Rabies Day every year on the 28th of September which is to commemorate the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur who developed the first efficacious rabies vaccine.
Dr. M.S. Kundu spoke about the disease in general and gave tips on measures to be taken for prevention. Dr. Jaisunder in his technical address spoke in detail about the disease, causative organism, prevalence, epidemiology and methods of prevention and control. He elaborated on the theme of World Rabies Day 2016 – Educate, Vaccinate, Eliminate and stressed on the need to educate oneself first. He informed that these islands are free from Rabies according to a study conducted earlier.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest, Dr. S. Shivkumar informed the gathering that though the Andaman and Nicobar U.T. is free from the dreaded disease. The Department is sparing no efforts in keeping a vigil on entry of the same. He requested all pet owners to ensure that the animals are vaccinated, especially before bringing them from mainland. He also informed that the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Disease in Animal Act-2009 will soon be implemented in these islands which will give legal teeth to ensure strict quarantine measures. He also appreciated the work done by different agencies in implementing the Animal Birth Programme (ABC) to control the stray dog population which contributes towards Rabies Control. The seminar was attended by veterinarians from CIARI, NGO’s and the Department of AH & VS, para- veterinary staff, pet owners and animal lovers. Dr. A.K. Bardhan, Senior Veterinary Officer (Animal Health) proposed the vote of thanks. The inaugural session was followed by a power point presentation and interaction session hosted by Dr. Geeta Gladson on the ABC programme carried out in A&N Islands.
