Pune : Mass vaccination drive of stray dogs to be started by PMC

Due to a significant increase in dog bite incidents and a large number of stray dogs, Pune is currently dealing with a significant challenge. This has sparked worries about the possible spread of the rabies virus. 

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has recently announced a mass vaccination drive to vaccinate all stray dogs in the city as a preventative measure against rabies in order to address this issue.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Dr Sarika Funde, Veterinary Superintendent, PMC, said “Every day vaccination drives have been going on in the city since 2021. However, for the mass vaccination drive, which is scheduled to begin in March 2024, the PMC is looking for agencies & NGOs to participate in this drive. The aim of this drive is to vaccinate around 90,000 stray dogs in one year i.e. till March 2025.”

As per further data & information shared by Dr Sarika Funde, in 2021, 12,024 cases of rabies took place in Pune, in 2022, 16,569 cases of rabies took place in Pune & till August 2023, 14,072 cases of rabies took place in Pune.

A directive from the national government has been made public to initiate a widespread rabies vaccination program for stray dogs. The principal goal is to eradicate rabies from the country by 2030, and the national government has emphasized the need for swift action to accomplish this goal.

Shreyas Vange