PANJIM: With five rabies cases reported in dogs in Goa so far this year, the State faces challenges in maintaining its rabies-controlled status, which it has enjoyed for the past five years. The recent detection of rabies in dogs at Colvale and Divar, and previous cases in Bicholim and Tivim, emphasise the urgent need to curb the spread of the viral disease, which has no treatment.
In Divar, rabies infections were found in both a pet dog and a stray dog. Notably, the pet dog had not been vaccinated. Last year, rabies resulted in the death of a man from North Goa. Dr Murugan Appupillai, Director (Education) at Mission Rabies, highlighted the disproportionate stray dog population in Divar. “The stray dog population is very high here and is estimated to be about 1,500 which is highly disproportionate to the human population which is about 5,000 as per 2011 census and may be 6,000 now. I suspect that mainland people might have dumped or abandoned puppies into the Island. Or dogs who get fed well breed faster with reduced mortality," he said.
Dr Appupillai reassured that the situation is now under control, with over 1,000 dogs vaccinated, banners put up, and support sought from ferry operators to prevent the transportation of dogs. Despite these measures, he noted that talukas bordering Maharashtra and Karnataka, where rabies is endemic, could see some cases. Last year, nine rabies cases were reported in Goa, with 37 cases from nearby talukas in Maharashtra and Karnataka. “Some border talukas have shown a higher number of cases of rabies and this affects Goa. Last year, nine cases of rabies were detected in animals in Goa while 37 cases of rabies were reported from four talukas of Vengurla, Sawantwadi, Dodamarg and Karwar," he said.
An official from the Animal Husbandry Department reiterated the alarming dog population in Divar, where the first outbreak was detected in a stray dog on June 7, followed by a pet dog on June 27. “All dogs should be vaccinated against rabies at three months, and then annually. We urge pet owners to follow the rules,” he said.