DIMAPUR: World Rabies Day 2026 was observed across Nagaland on September 28 under the theme “Stronger Together,” with programmes held in Kohima, Wokha and Peren districts focusing on rabies prevention, responsible pet ownership and timely vaccination.
In Kohima, the programme at Veterinary Hospital featured free anti rabies vaccination for dogs. B. Henok Buchem, Deputy Commissioner and president SPCA Kohima, stressed responsible pet ownership, citing complaints of dogs roaming freely and causing safety concerns. He urged owners to ensure vaccination, proper care and restraint of pets, remarking “My dog is my responsibility.” Buchem informed that Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) was preparing a regulatory order and a dog shelter would be operational by mid October. He also announced biannual vaccination camps across all 19 wards. Krodi Rhetso, Senior Superintendent of Police, highlighted rabies as a fatal but preventable disease and called for collective efforts from departments, pet owners and communities.
The programme was organised by Chief Veterinary Office, Kohima, in collaboration with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Kohima, National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) and the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland.
It was chaired by Dr. Ketholenuo Metha, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Kohima, with Dr. Nounengulie Kire, Public Health Specialist, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, as the resource person. Dr. Auto V, Deputy Director, delivered the vote of thanks.
In Wokha, the programme at District Veterinary Hospital was organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services in collaboration with National Rabies Control Programme. Dr. Gwazenlo Tep, Veterinary Surgeon, chaired the event and emphasised awareness on zoonotic diseases. Dr. Khesheli Awomi, Epidemiologist, IDSP Wokha, delivered an awareness talk, stressing immediate wound washing after dog bites and timely vaccination.
She assured that anti rabies vaccines and serum are available free of cost at government hospitals. Veterinary staff administered vaccinations to dogs after the programme. The programme was attended by Dr. Kehosenu Sakhrie, District Surveillance Officer Wokha, Dr. Khuzovinu Richa, VAS, staff members and dog owners.
In Peren, an awareness programme was held at Sainik School Punglwa, jointly organised by the College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Jalukie and IDSP, CMO Office Peren. Experts including Dr. Sakuntala, Dean of the College, and faculty members enlightened cadets on rabies transmission, prevention and post exposure prophylaxis. They highlighted the government’s mission to achieve zero human deaths from dog mediated rabies by 2030.
The interactive session saw enthusiastic participation from cadets.