1826 community dogs vaccinated under anti-rabies vaccination drive

S.A.S.Nagar 28 September ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : On the occasion of World Rabies Day, the Punjab government reiterated its commitment to further strengthen its efforts to prevent, treat, and raise awareness about rabies. A three-month-long mass anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) campaign across the Mohali Municipal Corporation area concluded on Monday. During the campaign, 1,826 community and street dogs were vaccinated in the Mohali Municipal Corporation area. The campaign was a joint effort by the Health and Family Welfare Department, the Local Bodies Department, the Mohali Municipal Corporation, the Animal Husbandry Department, Peedu's People Welfare Society, and other partner organizations. Mission Rabies and Worldwide Veterinary Services (WVS) provided vaccination and technical support, while Pukar assisted with the field campaign.

Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Punjab, stated that animal bite treatment, anti-rabies vaccine, and anti-rabies serum are being provided free of charge at all government health institutions in Punjab. ARVs are also available free of charge at all Aam Aadmi Clinics. He urged people not to wait after an animal bite, to immediately wash the wound and seek medical help without delay. He said rabies is a 100% preventable disease, but timely and complete vaccination is crucial.

Inder Sandhu, chairperson of Peedu's People Welfare Society, said that vaccinating street dogs is an important step in stopping rabies at its source. He said that local residents, feeders, and animal lovers can help vaccination teams reach dogs safely by identifying them in their area. The departments emphasized that rabies elimination requires continuous action rather than a one-time campaign. The Punjab government is working toward launching a coordinated large-scale anti-rabies vaccination campaign in all 23 districts. This effort is part of the broader goal of a rabies-free Punjab by 2030