Pune : PMC launches mass anti-rabies campaign
By: Pune Pulse
August 18, 2023
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has robustly begun an anti-rabies campaign across Pune city.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Dr Sarita Funde, Veterinary Superintendent PMC, said “The main focus of the Anti-Rabies campaign is to eliminate the disease completely from Pune city as well as the entire country. Also, people will be made aware of it and steps to be taken if a stray dog/stray cat has bitten them. We have received instructions from the central ministry to implement this Anti-Rabies campaign vigorously throughout the entire Pune city.”
“Also, many NGOs & organizations are helping the PMC in this campaign by collaborating with us. However, we are encouraging more and more people, NGOs etc to participate in this,” she added.
According to data shared by Dr Funde, the following is the total number of anti-rabies vaccines given to stray dogs from 2018 till June 2023 in Pune city:
· 2018-19 – 11,231 vaccines given with the help of Blue Cross Society/Animal Welfare Association
· 2019-20 – 19,630 vaccines given with the help of Blue Cross Society/Animal Welfare Association
· 2020-21 – 14,137 vaccines given with the help of Universal Animal Welfare Society
· 2021-22 – 13,148 vaccines given with the help of Universal Animal Welfare Society
· 2022-23 – 31,133 vaccines given with the help of Universal Animal Welfare Society
· 2023-24 (June 2023) – 13,217 vaccines given with the help of Universal Animal Welfare Society
Following is the total number of anti-rabies vaccines given to stray cats from 2018 till June 2023 in Pune city:
· 2022-23 – 1,807 vaccines given with the help of Universal Animal Welfare Society
· 2023-24 (June 2023) – 1,025 vaccines given with the help of Universal Animal Welfare Society.
Asha Ambekar, Founder of Shashwat Foundation, Pune said, “Shashwat Foundation has been actively involved in conducting anti-rabies vaccination drives in various parts of Pune in collaboration with Universal Animal Welfare Society which is the ABC implementing agency for PMC. Shashwat ensures annual vaccination of the community animals religiously thus promoting and safeguarding public health measures. ARV is an effective tool in the eradication of RABIES. A systematic routine effort at ARV drives can bring in the required change which is the need of the time. Vaccinated community animals promote harmonious coexistence.”
PMC looks forward to rabies-free Pune animals by initiating this campaign and calls for the support of everybody in eradicating rabies.
