Residents of Kanglung in Trashigang welcomed the mass anti-rabies vaccination drive in the gewog. Due to the high number of stray dogs in the area, residents are worried about their safety amid the looming threat of a rabies outbreak. Over 600 domestic animals including pet dogs, stray dogs and cats were vaccinated.
Last year, Kanglung hospital recorded 120 dog bite cases and 211 bite cases in 2019. Although there is no report of death case, 10 cattle died last year from rabies in the gewog.
To minimise the risk of rabies outbreak, a group of officials visited the villages to provide the vaccine.
With the vaccination program, the residents are relieved. They said dog bite case is quite rampant in the gewog.
“As a parent, I am worried. I saw college students being attacked by dogs. We feel safe after the vaccination program,” said Dawa Norbu, a resident.
“After giving this vaccination to the dogs and cattle, we are equally protected as well,” said Sangay Yeshi, another resident.
The Gewog livestock extension officer said the leftover stray dog will be also vaccinated soon.
A week-long mass anti-rabies vaccination program ended last month.
Kanglung gewog has around 800 dogs including stray dogs.
Sonam Darjay, Kanglung
