GANDERBAL, SEPTEMBER 03: Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, today convened a district level meeting of the Joint Steering Committee on Rabies Elimination to review the status of rabies prevention and control measures in the district and assess the preparedness of concerned departments for effective implementation of the action plan.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on identification of dog bite and stray dog hotspots, assessment and enumeration of the dog population in both urban and rural areas, status of dog vaccination, reported dog bite cases and availability of Anti Rabies Vaccines (ARV). The need for timely identification of areas witnessing an increase in dog bite incidents and taking focused preventive measures was also emphasised.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the dog population in the district, covering both urban and rural areas, and to identify vulnerable locations and hotspots for focused interventions. He also stressed upon the Health Department to maintain updated data on dog bite cases and ensure adequate availability of Anti-Rabies Vaccine and other essential supplies at health facilities to cater to any increase in demand.

The meeting also discussed strengthening mass dog vaccination and sterilisation measures, along with coordinated mechanisms for stray-dog management. The Municipal Council Ganderbal was directed to make necessary arrangements for dog catching equipment and related facilities, while ensuring that the required measures are undertaken in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.

The Deputy Commissioner further directed all concerned departments and stakeholders to nominate/designate nodal officers for effective coordination, monitoring and timely implementation of the measures under the district action plan.

He called for close coordination among the Health, Animal Husbandry, Municipal and other concerned departments, with emphasis on preventive action, accurate data collection, vaccination, sterilisation and prompt management of dog-bite cases.

The Deputy Commissioner directed that the progress on the decisions taken in the meeting be reviewed regularly.

The meeting was attended by Chief Planning officer Ganderbal, Assistant Commissioner Panchayats, Chief Medical Officer, Ganderbal, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Ganderbal, Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Council Ganderbal, Dr Showkeen Muzamil, Senior Assistant Professor, Division of Veterinary Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SKUAST-Shuhama as well as representatives from NGOs and other concerned stakeholders.