SHILLONG, Sept 26: Meghalaya reports a staggering 19,000 dog-bite cases annually, with East Khasi Hills accounting for over 5,000 cases and 15 fatalities already this year.
Alarmingly, most deaths occur due to the casual approach towards bites or scratches.
This was revealed during a function to observe the World Rabies Day organized by the District Joint Steering Committee for Rabies Elimination, East Khasi Hills, in collaboration with the Health and Veterinary Departments, Shillong Municipal Board, NGOs, and community leaders at Lumparing Sports Club Indoor Hall on Friday.
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The event was held under the theme “Act now: You, me and the community”, emphasizing the importance of collective action in preventing rabies.
Addressing the function as chief guest, Minister in-charge Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Sanbor Shullai urged citizens to vaccinate pets, promptly manage dog-bite wounds, and support stray dog control, emphasizing that rabies is 100% preventable but fatal if neglected.
PK Sangma, Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, highlighted the urgent need for community action to prevent rabies, while Dr RR Marak, District Nodal Officer, NRCP, shared alarming statistics on dog-bite cases and fatalities in Meghalaya.
She said Meghalaya reports over 19,000 dog-bite cases annually, with more than 5,000 from East Khasi Hills, and 15 deaths already this year. Most fatalities occur because bites or scratches are often taken lightly.
The programme featured awareness talks and discussions by experts, including Dr. N. Marbaniang, District Veterinary Officer, Dr Lambert Syiemlieh, Dr Freddy Nongdhar, Bernadeth Sohtun HUFAN, Andrew Umdor (SMB), and Dr. Iada Lyngdoh, State Nodal Officer NRCP.
A pledge-taking ceremony was led by the Chief Guest, Sanbor Shullai, to promote collective action against rabies.
A poster competition was held for school children to raise awareness about rabies prevention. A special drive was conducted to catch and vaccinate stray dogs, aiming to prevent the spread of rabies in the community. (NNN)
