Curbing rabies: Educating community on prevention & responsible animal care the key

On World Rabies Day, local authorities, including BBMP, are focusing on vaccination initiatives and responsible feeding practices to reduce the risk of rabies

NT

Bengaluru

Rabies, a fatal viral disease, remains a significant public health concern in Bengaluru. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), rabies claims tens of thousands of lives globally each year, with the majority of cases stemming from dog bites. In Bengaluru, the urgency to combat this issue has never been greater. To effectively address rabies, fostering awareness about prevention and promoting responsible animal care is crucial. By understanding the risks associated with rabies and taking proactive measures, we can safeguard both human and animal health. Data from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) reveals a decline in rabies cases in recent years, likely attributed to increased vaccination efforts and public awareness campaigns.

In a conversation with News Trail, Suralkar Vikas Kishore, Special Commissioner of Health and Animal Husbandry at BBMP, said, “We are adopting a multi-faceted approach to stray dog management, ensuring that all dogs are neutered and vaccinated. By vaccinating the dogs, we aim to prevent rabies transmission in the event of a bite.” Kishore emphasised the importance of timely treatment for potential rabies exposure, and said, “Additionally, we provide anti-rabies injections for humans to minimise infection risk, ensuring that treatment is available within 24 hours.” This measure not only protects individuals but also reinforces the need for prompt medical attention in case of bites. To further mitigate the incidence of bites, BBMP focuses on raising awareness among residents, students and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). Kishore noted, “This initiative addresses the attitude of humans toward dogs, emphasising the importance of responsible feeding practices. Many stray dogs feel threatened and often they do not receive even basic food.”

By changing perceptions and promoting empathy towards stray animals, the BBMP aims to create a safer environment for both humans and dogs. Sadhana Hegde, Founder of Sahavarthin Animal Welfare Trust, advocates a shift in awareness strategies regarding rabies. She stated, “For a long time, rabies awareness has been fear-based. With so much advancement in medical science, rabies is preventable, just like many other diseases.” Sadhana emphasised the need for positive reinforcement in awareness initiatives, asserting that “constant fear-based awareness and sometimes half-baked initiatives to promote vaccines have led to people fearing and hating dogs.” By fostering a community-oriented approach, Hegde believes that stakeholders, including pharmaceutical organisations, can help promote healthy preventive measures instead of elimination solutions.

Dr. Yathiraju, Senior Veterinarian at Bluecross Veterinary Center, further reinforced the importance of vaccination. He explained, “Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, which is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via bites. Once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. However, rabies is entirely preventable through timely vaccination of pets and wildlife.” Dr Yathiraju urged pet owners to vaccinate their animals and avoid contact with strays or wild animals. He stressed that “after potential exposure, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be administered as soon as possible to prevent the virus from spreading.”