Rabies awareness program on World Rabies Day

 

Rabies is a deadly zoonotic disease caused by the Rabies virus, transmitted mainly to humans through dog bites. World Rabies day is celebrated annually on 28^th September on the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, the French chemist, and microbiologist, who developed the first rabies vaccine. It is celebrated to raise awareness about rabies prevention and highlight progress in defeating this horrifying disease. ICAR-CCARI in collaboration with Mission rabies India conducted a rabies awareness program for the Institute staff on 29^th September. Dr.Murugan Appupillai, education director, Mission Rabies India was the chief guest and he has given a talk on Rabies awareness. He briefed the audience about the activities carried out by Mission rabies India in Goa for rabies prevention since 2013. He explained in detail how rabies disease occurs after a dog bite and the measures to prevent the disease viz. regular vaccination of pet animals, and compulsory post-bite vaccinations to prevent the occurrence of disease after a dog bite. Also, he spoke about measures to control the stray dog population and how to avoid dog bites. Staff from Mission Rabies Goa demonstrated measures to be taken to avoid dog bites in situations when the dogs attack people. Dr. A. Raizada, Principal Scientist and Director in charge, also explained the importance of the disease and the need for preventive measures. Dr. Shirish D. Narnaware, Head, Animal and Fisheries Science Section spoke about the seriousness of the rabies disease and the importance of World Rabies Day. The program was attended by staff including scientists, technical officers, supporting staff, and contractual staff. The scientists had interaction with the chief guest about rabies disease mainly in livestock. Dr. Shirish D. Narnaware, and Dr. Susitha Rajkumar, Senior Scientist coordinated the program.