Livestock officials in Phuentshogling will start a mass vaccination for dogs against rabies beginning tomorrow. This is after the sample of a dead ox tested positive for rabies yesterday in Phuentshogling town. The ox is suspected to have got bitten by a rabid dog. However, livestock officials are finding it challenging to trace the suspected rabid dog. Several rabies cases have been reported in dogs and goats since the outbreak in Pekarzhing in March.
During a stakeholder’s meeting on the rabies outbreak in Phuentshogling held today, officials from health, livestock, Bhutan Food and Drug Authority and other relevant agencies discussed the current situation of the outbreak, challenges and the way forward.
The officials are planning to create awareness on rabies and animal bites, especially for travellers.
To prevent further outbreak, the officials also raised the need to address the issue of stray animals in the town.
“If people do not take care of their cattle, we are going to impound the animal and penalise the owners. It is the responsibility of the owners to take care of their animals, they cannot let the animals roam freely. Moreover, it is restricted in urban areas. Also, it is the responsibility of every individual to take care of themselves. Parents should take care of their children and advise them not to play with or get near the animals,” said Uttar Kumar Rai, Phuentshogling Thrompon.
The officials suspect stray animals entering the town from across the border to be the primary source of the outbreak. Veterinary officials earlier said that rabies cases are frequently reported in un-notched dogs that are suspected to have moved into the town from across the border area.
“The Dungkhag administration has a very important role to coordinate with our counterpart, and also the Department of Law and Order (DLO) so that people out there are educated on the disease. They should also take care of their cattle. Through coordination, we can also create public awareness. Many cattle come from across the border so I think coordination between the two towns is very important,” said the Phuentshogling Thrompon.
The officials also discussed ways for proper disposal of carcasses of stray animals.
Following request from the livestock office, the Thromde agreed to allot an area where livestock officials can make a biological pit to dispose of remains of dead animals.
Meanwhile, veterinary and Thromde staff, commuters and people exposed to the disease through the infected ox have been vaccinated.
According to livestock officials, people can get infected with rabies if they consume raw meat and dairy products of a rabid cattle.
Kinley Dem
Edited by Phub Gyem
