Hyderabad: Marking World Zoonoses Day on Saturday, government-run veterinary hospitals administered free vaccination for pets. The drive, particularly against rabies, and other events held on the occasion were aimed at creating awareness about how zoonosis, infectious disease jumping from animals to humans, can occur.
Many specialists recommend vaccination as the best way to prevent infection as vaccinated animals stand very little chance of contracting the disease. The standard protocol is to vaccinate cats and dogs that are three or four months old and then again when they turn one.
The free anti-rabies vaccination programme for dogs and cats taken up at the super specialty hospital in Narayanguda was inaugurated by Dr Venkateshwarlu, district veterinary and animal husbandry officer. Dr Uday Shankar, chief manager, animal health, Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), provided the vaccines.
The GHMC organised a free vaccination camp in six zones, where a total of 1199 stray and pet dogs were administered the anti-rabies vaccine.
“The day is marked by campaigns and events to spread awareness about zoonotic diseases,” said Dr Srinivas Reddy, deputy director, veterinary & animal husbandry department, south zone.
“In the interest of public health and animal welfare, we celebrate this day every year. The ARV programme is conducted to prevent rabies in dogs and its transference to people,” said Abdul Wakhil, chief veterinary officer.
LB Nagar zone topped the number of vaccines that were administered with 617, followed by Charminar (252), Khairatabad (115), Secunderabad (109), Kukatpally (58) and Serilingampally (48).
