BBMP has initiated a new drive to map stray dogs in its wards to ensure they are vaccinated against rabies.
It has joined hands with World Wide Veterinary Services, a global NGO, and will use the latter’s mobile application for the purpose. Officials will capture an image of the dog and upload it on the app with the GPS coordinates. The move comes in the wake of BBMP scaling up its anti-rabies drives on the occasion of World Rabies Day (September 28).
The agency has begun its pilot project in Herohalli and Nagarbhavi. “In Herohalli, 1,100 dogs need to be vaccinated and 356 in Nagarbhavi,” said BBMP joint director Dr. Shashikumar. If the app-based mapping is successful, it will be extended to other wards. Each vaccine costs Rs 150.
Shashikumar said: “Every year, we inject dogs with the anti-rabies vaccine, but the next year we don’t know how to identify which are the vaccinated ones. We hope app-based mapping will fix this issue.”
An official from the animal husbandry wing confirmed there’s a rise in incidents of stray dogs attacking people in BBMP limits.
Shashikumar said on average, 5-10% of those bitten by dogs die of rabies and this is primarily due to lack of awareness and treatment.
BBMP has made arrangements with Animal Birth Control teams and health officials, who will ensure that all canines receive treatment.
Source: Times of India
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