Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 28: The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, observed World Rabies Day 2026 with the theme “Stronger Together” through awareness programmes, anti-rabies vaccination camps and Animal Birth Control operations at various locations across the Islands.
The main programme was organised at the Conference Hall of Veterinary Hospital, Junglighat, with the objective of creating awareness among the younger generation and the general public about rabies prevention and control. The programme was graced by Dr. A. K. Bardhan, Retired Senior Veterinary Officer, as the Chief Guest. The Director and Joint Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, along with Dr. C. Ramakrishnan, Senior Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Hospital, Junglighat, were also present on the occasion.
More than 40 college students participated in the programme along with Dr. Vivek Kumar Sahu, Professor, JNRM, providing an excellent platform for interaction and awareness on the importance of rabies prevention. During the programme, the Chief Guest, Director and veterinary officers highlighted various aspects of rabies, including its transmission, clinical signs, prevention and control measures. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of regular anti-rabies vaccination of dogs and cats, responsible pet ownership, avoiding unnecessary contact with stray or unfamiliar animals, and seeking immediate medical attention following an animal bite. The students actively interacted with the veterinary professionals and gained valuable knowledge about the role of the community in preventing the spread of rabies. On this occasion, 23 pets, including cats and dogs, were vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccine.
An Anti-Rabies Vaccination Camp was also conducted at Veterinary Dispensary, Shaheed Dweep, during which a total of 22 animals, including dogs and cats, were vaccinated.
At Veterinary Sub-Dispensary, Hut Bay, staff actively carried out Animal Birth Control operations. Altogether five dogs were operated, comprising three females and two males. Of these, one belonged to a pet owner from the Nicobari tribal community of Harminder Bay.
Veterinary Dispensary, Manglutan, conducted an awareness programme at Government Middle School, Guptapara. Students and teachers were sensitised about rabies prevention, responsible pet ownership, the importance of timely anti-rabies vaccination of dogs, prevention of dog bites and the immediate steps to be taken following an animal bite. The headmaster of the school appreciated the initiative of the Department. As part of the programme, five dogs were vaccinated with Anti-Rabies Vaccine and local awareness on rabies prevention was also created.
At Veterinary Hospital, Car Nicobar, a Rabies Awareness Camp was conducted for students of GSS Tamaloo and ITI Arong. Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar, inaugurated the free Anti-Rabies Vaccination Camp in the presence of Mr. Lionel Nicomed, Chairman, Tribal Council, Car Nicobar, and Deputy Vice Chairman Mr. John Levi. Captains from different villages of Car Nicobar and Heads of Departments from line departments also participated. During the programme, Mrs. Roslyn Nelson, PA to the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, and two students from ITI were nominated as “Guardians of the Voiceless.” Free chicks were also distributed under the National Livestock Mission to farmers of the Island by the Deputy Commissioner.
At Saraswati Shishu Mandir Senior Secondary School, Pathargudda, an awareness programme was conducted by the Senior Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Hospital Garacharma, and team. Awareness was created among 146 students and 11 teachers. Awareness regarding rabies, dog bite, first aid and anti-rabies vaccination was also created at Veterinary Hospital Garacharma for the benefit of pet and livestock owners.
The Department of AH&VS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public awareness, animal vaccination, surveillance and community participation for effective rabies control in the Islands, a press release from Dept. of AH&VS said.
