PANAJI
The agency Mission Rabies Worldwide Veterinary Services appointed by the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services will begin mass vaccination of stray dogs for rabies in Panaji from Friday.
The agency has appealed to citizens for support in the vaccination drive.
“Last year, we had conducted a vaccination drive for stray and pet dogs. Due to the pandemic this year, the present vaccination drive will focus on stray dogs,” said Shankar Gaonkar, team manager for the agency Mission Rabies Worldwide Veterinary Services.
Last year, around 1,020 stray and pet dogs were vaccinated from Panaji municipality.
Gaonkar informed that a vaccination camp at Campal will be organised for private pet dogs from Tiswadi taluka and people could bring in their pets and get them vaccinated.
For the vaccination drive in Panaji, the CCP has deputed one staff to count the number of dogs vaccinated in the area.
Mission Rabies has formed eight teams to conduct the vaccination drive.
“Two teams will be on bikes and will conduct vaccination of primarily friendly stray dogs taking 2-3 rounds in their areas. Other teams along with a vehicle to catch stray dogs will target non-friendly dogs,” said Gaonkar.
At present, the vaccination drive is going on in Panaji, Sanguem, and Ponda talukas. Similar vaccination drives were earlier conducted in Salcete and Pernem talukas.
“In Mapusa and other places, vaccination will be conducted at a later phase,” Gaonkar said.
