By Dr. Dinesh
Rotary Club of Port Blair, in association with Friendicoes-SECA and the staff of Port Blair Municipal Council, Srivijayapuram, organized a special Animal Birth Control (Dogs) and Rabies Vaccination Programme at the Dog Sterilization Centre, Dollygunj, to mark World Rabies Day.
On the occasion, 22 dogs were vaccinated and 9 underwent neutering under the ABC programme, which ensures both population control and rabies prevention. The Rotary Club of Port Blair sponsored the vaccination drive.
Rtn. Deepak Kumar, President of the Rotary Club of Port Blair, handed over vaccines to Dr. Geeta Gladson, Veterinary Head and Project Coordinator, Friendicoes-SECA. He was accompanied by Rtn. Arun Srivastava, Secretary, along with Past Presidents Rtn. Dinakaran and Rtn. Rajesh Anand, Rtn. Dr. Dinesh, and Rtn. B. Dinesh Kumar.
Dr. A.K. Bardhan, Senior Veterinary Officer (Retd), also vaccinated dogs and graced the event. Dr. Snehesh, a passionate dog lover, participated enthusiastically. Dr. K.A. Naveen, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, was also present on the occasion.
World Rabies Day, observed annually on September 28, marks the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, the scientist who developed the first effective rabies vaccine. The date is globally recognized both as a tribute to Pasteur and to raise awareness about eliminating rabies a 100% preventable, yet deadly, disease.
Highlighting the significance of continuous surveillance and vaccination, Dr. Geeta Gladson stressed that sustained rabies prevention measures are vital to maintain the rabies-free status of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and to safeguard against potential outbreaks.
