18th World Rabies day was observed in Dimapur and Ngwalwa village on Saturday, with the theme, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries.” National Rabies Control Program (NRCP) under Chief Medical Officer Dimapur in collaboration with Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Dimapur District observed World Rabies Day at Council Hall, Kuda village, C-Khel, Dimapur.
A press statement by CMO office Dimapur informed that the resource person and Nodal Officer of NRCP Dr. Mulo Ozukum oriented the participants on the measures to be taken after a dog bite. He stated that as a first-aid, one must clean the bite area in running water for at least 20 minutes, using soap at regular intervals and to get rabies vaccine as soon as possible. He also urged dog owners to take precautions while handling their dogs and also inform their children on importance of reporting dog bite immediately to avoid rabies infection.
Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Dr. Micheal Imchen also reiterated the importance of rabies vaccine after a dog bite and added that there is no cure for rabies. However, can be prevented by the rabies vaccine if taken immediately after a dog bite.
He also stated that the sign and symptoms of rabies may occur only after 4 months to 1 year, thus it is important to get vaccinated right after a bite. He stated that T.T (tetanus) injection is ineffective to prevent rabies.
The program was chaired by District Nodal Officer (NRCP), Dr. Kavito Zhimomi chaired the programme while the vote of thanks was delivered by Chairman Kuda Village, Vikie Nagi. A short speech was also delivered by Chief Veterinary Officer, Dimapur, Dr. E Kepfoh.
After the program, mass vaccination drive for dogs was also held in commemoration of the day.
Ngwalwa village: Ngwalwa village celebrated World Rabies Day with the aim of creating awareness among people by the College of Veterinary Science and AH, Jalukie under the guidance of Dean Dr. I. Shakuntala. The event was jointly organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Peren.
The event was started with the welcome address from Professor and Convener of the programme, CoVSc & AH, Jalukie, Dr. Shyamananda Mukherjee and an introductory speech by the Village Council Chairman.
The technical session under this programme was initiated with “Introduction to Rabies” by , CTO (Animal Science), KVK, Peren, Dr. L. Babita Devi, followed by the information on “Rabies: Cause, Symptoms, Transmission and Control in Animals” by Assistant Professor, CoVSc & AH, Jalukie, Dr. Raghubir Singh, and “Prevention and Control of Rabies” by IDSP Officer, CMO Peren, Dr. Imnuksungba.
The officials from college, KVK Peren, and Medical Department Peren interacted with the locals to sensitise the locals for spreading the knowledge of prevention and control of Rabies.
In this event under “Free Anti Rabies Vaccination Drive”, 70 pet animals including dogs and cats were vaccinated for rabies by Dr. Keneisezo Kuotsu, assistant professor, CoVSc & AH, Jalukie and Internee Students of the college. The programme was concluded with the vote of thanks by assistant professor, CoVSc & AH, Jalukie, Dr. Amrit Gogoi.