Thiruvananthapuram : In a bid to rein in rabies among dogs, the government will launch vaccination drive covering all strays across the state. The month-long drive will commence on 20th. Vaccines shall be made available via vehicles rented by the concerned local body, said Minister for Local Self Government, MB Rajesh. Special focus will be assigned to areas with higher congregation of dogs, said the minister at high-level meeting held Monday in the capital.
Trained dog-catchers shall lead the campaign. The endeavour will also draw on services of volunteer groups of the Covid days. There are roughly 3 lakh stray dogs in the state. Target is to vaccinate at least 15,000 on daily basis. There is advisory to try administering vaccine by the way of food. Spray paint, metal chip and such techniques shall be applied to identify dogs already vaccinated.
There are 6 lakh vaccine doses with the department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy. Arrangements have been made to enhance the inventory.
Dog shelters shall be set up at local self-government level. There shall be agressive campaign against dumping of food waste outdoors. Those owning hotels, marriage halls and meat stalls are being called for a meeting in this regard. There are 37 ABCs (animal birth control) centres in the state. The figure needs upping to 76. Steps would initiated to set up additional units. An online meeting for panchayat presidents and Collectors have been called at 3 pm Tuesday for the purpose, the minister said.
