World Rabies Day was marked on Monday at the Sub-Divisional Veterinary Hospital (SDVH) in Paonta Sahib, emphasizing rabies prevention, animal vaccination, responsible pet ownership, and public awareness of the disease. The event was inaugurated by Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma, accompanied by Paonta Sahib SDM Dwij Goyal, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry and Breeding Dr. Rajeev Walia, Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. Amit Mahajan, and other veterinary officials, Rotary Club members, and volunteers.
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The Deputy Commissioner commended the efforts of individuals and organizations involved in animal welfare and rabies prevention in the area, presenting appreciation certificates for their contributions. As part of World Rabies Day and the Rotary Against Rabies Exposure (RARE) initiative, Rotary Club Paonta Sahib donated 300 doses of anti-rabies vaccine, which will be administered for free to stray and pet dogs and cats via the Animal Husbandry Department, enhancing rabies prevention efforts.
Dr. Rajeev Walia gave a presentation on rabies awareness and prevention, stressing the essential role of timely vaccination, responsible pet ownership, precautions after animal bites, and the need for community participation in controlling rabies. He also discussed ongoing activities by the department. The Animal Husbandry Department aims to administer 3,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccine to dogs as part of its campaign.
Officials reiterated that although rabies is preventable, it is fatal once clinical symptoms appear. They emphasized the importance of timely vaccination and seeking medical help after animal bites to prevent human fatalities. The event concluded with a call for public involvement in rabies prevention campaigns and support for the objectives of "One Health" and "Zero Rabies Deaths."