PANAJI: In a bid to eradicate rabies and control the stray dog population, a free vaccination, sterilization, and education campaign will commence in Bardez taluka from tomorrow, starting at Colvale.
The initiative comes in the wake of several dog bite incidents in the state, especially on beaches; and is expected to cover the entire Goa subsequently.
The fresh drive will be held for eight days and as part of the campaign, officials will further identify unsterilized dogs to sterilize them accordingly.
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Minister, Nilkant Halarnkar stated that while the campaign is beginning in Bardez, similar initiatives are conducted annually across other talukas. However, Bardez was chosen for this intensified effort due to recent rabies cases in the last two years. “We must ensure the virus does not spread into protected zones,” he said.
“The campaign is crucial, especially with Maharashtra as our border state. We have evidence that stray dog birth rates are increasing. The government has suggested that World Veterinary Services (WVS) and Mission Rabies (MR) sterilize unsterilized dogs while administering rabies vaccines,” Halarnkar explained.
The drive will involve 1,500 personnel, 32 vaccination teams, international volunteers, veterinarians, and support staff.
Dr Murugan Appupillai, Director of Mission Rabies, emphasized the urgency of the campaign, particularly in border talukas like Pernem, Bicholim, and Sattari, which are more vulnerable to rabies transmission from Maharashtra. “This campaign is an action directed by the government to prevent rabies from entering Bardez, which is not a border taluka,” he said.
On the issue of banning Rottweilers and Pitbulls, Minister Halarnkar clarified that the ban is a security measure following recent attacks, particularly on children. “Owners of these breeds must sterilize them and refrain from breeding. We will also conduct checks to ensure compliance,” he stated.
