Shillong, Sep 27: In what can be an alarming situation, as many as 19,000 dog-bite cases are reported in Meghalaya every year while East Khasi Hills alone, with capital Shillong in it, accounts for over 5,000 cases.
Altogether 15 fatalities have already been reported this year and it has been learnt that most of these deaths occur due to the casual approach towards bites or scratches.
The alarming number of dog-bites and fatalities was revealed at a World Rabies Day programme organised by the District Joint Steering Committee for Rabies Elimination, East Khasi Hills at Lumparing Sports Club here on Friday.
The programme was organised under the theme “Act now: You, me and the community”, emphasising the importance of collective action in preventing rabies.
In his address, Minister in-charge Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Sanbor Shullai urged citizens to vaccinate pets, promptly manage dog-bite wounds, and support stray dog control, emphasizing that rabies is 100% preventable but fatal if neglected.
PK Sangma, Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, highlighted the urgent need for community action to prevent rabies, while Dr RR Marak, District Nodal Officer, NRCP, shared alarming statistics on dog-bite cases and fatalities in Meghalaya.
She said Meghalaya reports over 19,000 dog-bite cases annually, with more than 5,000 from East Khasi Hills, and 15 deaths already this year.
The programme featured awareness talks and discussions by experts, including Dr N Marbaniang, District Veterinary Officer, Dr Lambert Syiemlieh, Dr Freddy Nongdhar, Bernadeth Sohtun HUFAN, Andrew Umdor (SMB), and Dr Iada Lyngdoh, State Nodal Officer NRCP.
A pledge-taking ceremony was led by minister to promote collective action against rabies at the programme held in collaboration with Health and Veterinary Departments, Shillong Municipal Board, NGOs, and community leaders.
A poster competition was held for school children to raise awareness about rabies prevention.
A special drive was conducted to catch and vaccinate stray dogs, aiming to prevent the spread of rabies in the community.
