Dimapur, September 29 (MExN): The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Dimapur unit, observed World Rabies Prevention Week with awareness programmes across three districts from September 25 to 27.
The events, held under the theme “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” were organized in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry.
Awareness sessions were conducted at Community Hall Hovishe in Niuland on September 25, Community Hall Tenyiphe-II in Chümoukedima on September 26, and Community Hall Lengrijan in Dimapur Sadar on September 27.
The main objectives during the week long observation are to create awareness about rabies prevention, transmission and control measures among the general public, particularly in high-risk groups such as children, pet owners, and animal handlers.
The awareness programme also aims to improve bite management by informing the communities about the importance of seeking medical attention immediately after an animal bite and proper wound management. Additionally, the program seeks to increase awareness about the importance of pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccination against rabies. By increasing vaccination coverage, the risk of rabies transmission can be reduced and prevent human deaths.
These awareness programmes also promote responsible pet ownership. This includes encouraging people, especially the community leaders to ensure all pet owners in their localities to vaccinate their pets, especially dogs, and promote responsible pet care. The resource persons also informed the communities on the initiative by the Government to increase surveillance of animal bites and rabies deaths reporting to improve disease monitoring and response. They also warned the public about the growing threat of zoonotic diseases, intensified by climate change, and emphasized the need for intensified vigilance and preventive measures.
The Resource persons for the programmes were Dr. A. Kavito Zhimomi, District Programme Officer CD-1/DSO, Dr. Hokato, Chief Veterinary Officer, Niuland, Dr. Amenla Imchen, Chief Veterinary Officer Chumukedima, Dr. E. Kopfoh, Chief Veterinary Officer, Dimapur, and Dr. Molung, Epidemiologist IDSP. The programme was chaired by Aomar, Data Manager, IDSP Dimapur. Brief speeches were delivered by the respective Village Council Chairmen, followed by mass vaccination of pet dogs.
Kohima: In commemoration of World Rabies Day (September 28), the District Veterinary Hospital & Chief A.H. & Veterinary Office, Kohima, in collaboration with the Panchayat Lower Chandmari Colony and the Lower Chandmari Youth Organisation, organised a free anti-rabies vaccination camp at the Panchayat Office, Lower Chandmari, Kohima, on September 27.
A total of 159 pets received anti-rabies vaccinations, highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing rabies and promoting animal welfare.
The Panchayat and Youth Organisation expressed appreciation and acknowledge the department’s initiative in ensuring the health and safety of pets in the community.
Longleng: The District Surveillance Unit, IDSP Longleng in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department Observe World Rabies Day under the theme,"Act Now: You, Me and Community", held at Sakshi village and Tamlu CHC on 25th and 26thSeptember 2025 respectively. Dr. O Kupmei phom, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon spoke on the importance of vaccination and its preventive measures and treatment methods. She said that rabies has no treatment but is preventable through vaccination, therefore, the annual vaccination of pets is very important.
Awareness and management was given by Dr. K Manan Phom , District Surveillance Officer, wherein he stressed out that the day is being observed to promote the fight against rabies and to create awareness of its prevention. He mentioned that rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that is spread to people through the saliva of an infected animal. He spoke on key aspects including mass dog vaccination to cut off transmission, post exposure prophylaxis and community awareness on prevention and recognising rabies symptoms.Followed by free anti-rabies vaccination drive.
