After stray dog attack, BBMP ramps up rabies control

The Animal Husbandry Department and Veterinary Sciences, in association with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Animal Husbandry Department, has launched vaccination for rabies at Nirman Layout and Hullahalli near Jigani in Anekal Taluk to prevent rabies spreading to street dogs and animals.

The veterinary doctors have launched a rabies vaccination programme on Thursday at two locations, Nirman Layout and Ullahalli. According to reliable sources, one dog affected with rabies attacked six dogs and a few cows around Nirmal Layout and Ullahalli. The dog was allegedly killed by some residents and a FIR was registered at Jigani Police Station. Post-mortem report revealed that the dog was infected with rabies. Bangalore Mirror published a story – Stray dog’s murder sparks vaccination drive demand – on May 6, narrating how citizens have raised an alarm over the killing of a stray dog at Nirman Layout near Jigani. “We have vaccinated more than 100 stray dogs and cattle at two locations,’’ said a veterinary doctor.

It is said the veterinary doctors are set to complete vaccination for stray and pet dogs and cattle against rabies within one km radius of Nirman Layout and Hullahalli. It is called Ring Vaccination. The next step of vaccination for stray dogs and cattle will be extended to a three to five kms radius from Nirman Layout and Hullahalli.

BBMP Deputy Director (Animal Husbandry) Chandraiah said the BBMP Animal Husbandry Department has deputed two teams of dog catchers to Nirman Layout and Hullahalli. “We have provided around 12 dog catchers to the rabies vaccination programme. They will assist the veterinary doctors during the vaccination programme,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, animal activists and pet lovers want the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences Department to give a 5-in-1 vaccine for stray dogs instead of rabies vaccine. “The 5-in-1 vaccine guards stray dogs against five severe diseases such as canine distemper, adenovirus type1 and type 2, parainfluenza, and parvovirus,’’ said Razia Khan, a dog feeder and rescuer.

Expressing the similar opinion, Arun Prasad, an animal activist, has said the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences Department has to take measures to vaccinate all dogs and cattle in the area to prevent rabies spreading to animal species at Bannerghatta National Park and nearby forest. “The authorities have to give a 5-in-1 vaccine for the welfare of stray dogs and cattle,’’ he said.

Wondering why the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programmes are not extended beyond the BBMP limits, Sujaya Jagadeesh, SPCA member, has said the authorities should prefer a 5-in-1 vaccine instead of rabies vaccine. “Dogs affected with rabies will be dangerous for humans, dogs and animals. The authorities concerned have to take up ABC and ARV programmes on the outskirts of Bengaluru and rural areas,’’ she said.