Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced on Wednesday that it has successfully completed a mass vaccination drive for stray dogs, administering the anti-rabies vaccine to over 35,000 dogs in just 70 days. The intensive campaign, which began on March 30 with a 90-day deadline, was finished ahead of schedule, according to Dr. Debi Prasad Kund, in-charge of BMC's animal birth control (ABC) programme.
Vaccination Targets and Coverage
The BMC aimed to vaccinate 35,000 to 40,000 dogs out of an estimated total stray dog population of 52,000, which includes 5,000 puppies. This target aligns with the global standard of vaccinating 70-75% of the total population, as that proportion can typically be caught and vaccinated. Dr. Kund explained that within the first month, the team covered 35% of the city's 67 wards. In the subsequent 40 days, the remaining 65% of wards were covered. Dogs that had been vaccinated prior to this special drive were easily identified by ear-tagging and were not counted in the current vaccination report.
Efficiency and Impact
The successful completion of the drive within 70 days highlights the efficiency of BMC's planning and execution. The anti-rabies vaccination is crucial for controlling rabies, a fatal disease that poses a threat to both animals and humans. By achieving high vaccination coverage, the BMC aims to reduce the risk of rabies transmission in the city.
Dr. Kund emphasized that the ear-tagging system helped avoid double-counting and ensured accurate reporting. The BMC continues to monitor the dog population and plans to conduct regular vaccination drives to maintain immunity levels.
