Citywide Awareness Campaign for Rabies Eradication: Suralkar Vikas Kishor

Bengaluru Express
Bengaluru, July 7:

In a major initiative to eradicate rabies across the BBMP limits, mass awareness campaigns will be carried out through specially designated vehicles, announced Special Commissioner of the Health Department Suralkar Vikas Kishor.

Speaking after flagging off an awareness vehicle at the BBMP headquarters today, as part of World Zoonoses Day, he emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent the spread of rabies.

He also stated that, several diseases are transmitted from animals to humans. People are often in close contact with dogs, and dog bites can lead to serious health issues. Therefore, it is essential to vaccinate animals regularly against rabies and to spread awareness among the public.

As part of the rabies control initiative, BBMP has launched a campaign where LED-equipped vehicles will travel to all wards to educate citizens about rabies prevention.

No one should isolate or avoid animals out of fear. Instead, we must learn to coexist and understand their behavior. Further IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities related to zoonotic diseases will also be undertaken, he added.

Awareness in Schools and Colleges:

In addition to visiting all BBMP wards, the campaign vehicles will also reach out to BBMP-run, government, and private schools and colleges to educate students about rabies prevention and control.

About World Zoonoses Day:

Zoonoses are diseases that spread from animals to humans. These infections can be transmitted through direct contact with animals, air, water, food, or saliva. Over 60% of known human diseases are zoonotic in origin.

World Zoonoses Day highlights the interconnection between human and animal health and the importance of a “One Health” approach to controlling zoonotic diseases.

About Rabies:

Rabies is a deadly zoonotic disease that is entirely preventable through vaccination. It spreads through bites, scratches, or saliva of infected animals. Globally, rabies causes an estimated 59,000 deaths annually, with dogs responsible for over 97% of the cases. A death occurs every 9 minutes due to rabies, and nearly 40% of victims are children under 15 years of age.

Goal of Rabies Eradication by 2030:

BBMP in collaboration with KVAFSU- WOAH Reference Rabies diagnostic Laboratory, Charlie’s Animal Rescue Center (CARE), WVS-Mission Rabies and other Animal Welfare Organisations (BBMP service providers), efforts are underway to make Bengaluru rabies-free by 2030. This includes mass dog vaccination drives and the implementation of advanced rabies surveillance systems.

Zoonotic Disease Control Programs under BBMP:

1. Establishment of “Bengaluru Science & Technology Cluster in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science.
2. “I Am One Health” Initiative: Conducted at the Vishweshwarayya Industrial & Technological Museum to spread awareness about dengue, dog bites, rabies, and other zoonotic diseases.
3. ABC, ARV and Rescue activities: These have proven effective in controlling zoonotic diseases originating from stray animals.
4. 5-in-1 Combined Vaccine: Administered to dogs to prevent multiple infectious and zoonotic diseases, including leptospirosis.
5. Oral Anti-Rabies Vaccine for Dogs: Supported by the Ministry of Health under the National One Health Mission, an oral rabies vaccine is being developed at the Bengaluru Veterinary College. This will help expand the reach of mass vaccination programs significantly.

Present at the event were Joint Director of the Animal Husbandry Department Dr. Chandrayya, Chief Health Officer Dr. S.S. Madani; Founder Trustee of Charlee’s Rescue Foundation Sudha Narayanan, Director of Mission Rabies Dr. Balaji Chandrashekar along with zonal health officers and assistant directors of the animal husbandry department.

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