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abies, a viral disease
affecting terrestrial and
airborne mammals, is
mainly transmitted by
Rdog and bat bites. It is
classified as a zoonotic disease world
over as it is transmitted to humans
from animals and dog remains a main
source transmitting rabies to humans
and other animals in India. The disease,
which is as old as human civilization
and its association with dogs finds
a mention even in Atharvaveda.
The name might have derived from
“Rabhas” in Sanskrit meaning “to
Rage.” It is one of the most feared
diseases after cancer where prognosis
is grave in almost 100% cases. Though
it has been eradicated in some parts of
the world, it remains a matter of great
concern in Asia, and particularly in rabies. However, a public awareness agriculture dominated areas.
India. More than 15 million people are is of utmost importance. The increase 6.Interdisciplinary approach with clear
bitten by dogs every year. The reported in dog population is the biggest factor and consistent coordination within
deaths are around 20,000 annually that needs to be addressed while animal and human health organizations
from rabies in India, which is highest making a definite strategy to eradicate would greatly benefit in spreading
anywhere in the world. It is mainly rabies. The following measures can be awareness about rabies and its
affecting the lower socioeconomic considered for prevention of rabies in prevention. Rabies being a zoonotic
group due to their exposure to the non- India. disease, a well-planned strategy
vaccinated rabid dogs. Out of these, 1.Compulsory licensing of the pet dogs involving veterinarians, medical doctors,
40% dog bites are in children under by the civic authorities: This need to diagnostician, NGOs and civic bodies
age of 15. be strictly followed with legal aid so as would be a great boon to prevent
Though pet dogs are being taken to inculcate responsibility of the pet rabies.
care of by the pet parents in India, owners towards society in prevention of India being a vast country with huge
stray dogs which are around 60% rabies. Preferably, it should be morally human population, eradication of
of total dog population are the main and self-initiative, which would have the diseases always poses a great
source as they contribute 99% rabies greater impact than compulsion. challenge. Adding to it is illiteracy,
transmission and human deaths. 2.Strict vaccination of dogs regularly traditional ways to treat patients,
Various programmes are being with registration at civic record: This inadequate infrastructure both in
implemented like animal birth control step may seem to have difficulties but veterinary and medical facilities,
and prophylaxis vaccination. While on a larger part of zoonotic importance absence of trained workers,
prophylaxis vaccination is being of the disease, must be executed. The particularly in remote places, and
done regularly in well maintained vaccination of stray dogs would remain poor execution of planned strategies.
dogs both by pet parents and a billion dollar question which, unless However, looking at the success
veterinarians, stray dogs vaccination and until answered, eradication of of Polio Eradication Campaign in
is posing a great challenge looking rabies would be near impossible. Human and Zero Rinderpest in cattle,
at the increasing population of stray 3.Controlling population of the stray making India rabies free would not be
dogs and difficulties in capturing and dogs is a major concern as their impossible. Collaboration between
vaccinating them. Also, reaching to numbers are rising. At present the the World Health Organization, World
all stray dogs for Animal Birth Control surveillance of this group a not available Organization of Animal Health (OIE),
(ABC) is a massive task involving and though many organizations are Food and Agriculture Organization of
huge manpower requirement and working voluntarily on animal birth the United Nations (FAO), and Global
facilities to conduct procedure. Lack control, the objective to reduce stray Alliance for Rabies Control has a goal of
or inconsistent veterinary/medical dog population is nowhere near. eliminating deaths from rabies by 2030.
facilities in remote interior places also 4.Vaccination of the people working We Indians need to make it happen
contribute to improper execution of close to the rabies prone animals can with strong determination at all levels,
anti-rabies campaigns. Thus, stray be a way to reduce death caused by starting from the common people to
dogs remain a potential reservoir rabies: Rural parts of India would largely the highest implementing authorities.
and carrier of deadly rabies. The benefit from this initiative where dogs Let’s make India, Zero Rabies Country
disease is preventable only through are associated with people without by 2030.
prophylaxis as presently treatment is being taken care of, like preventive dr Gode has done his B. V. sc.
not available being of a viral origin. vaccination. & a. H., and m. V. sc. Veterinary
Prophylaxis therefore becomes a most 5.Regular domestic animal preventive Pharmacology from Nagpur
important tool to reduce spread of vaccination would be very beneficial in Veterinary college.

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