Imphal, March 20: It is now officially confirmed.

Despite contrary reports published in some section of the press, the State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department has found some brain tissues of dogs to be rabies positive.

What is more 18 persons have reportedly succumbed to the disease after being bitten by the rabid dogs during the last few days, with Thoubal district alone accounting for 11 deaths.

Two deaths were reported from Imphal West while another two were reported from Bishnupur district.

According to another report received by the press, Langpoklakpam Biramani of Loitang Khunou bitten by his own dog some 30 days back succumbed to the canine bite on March 12.Not only that another two persons had already fallen victim to the dreaded canine disease earlier, informed Loitang Khunou Bazar Board Community.

It is reported that, strange as it may sound, just before his death Biramani used to take his meals outdoor under the shade of trees in addition to showing symptoms like vomiting, mouth watering etc.

The Board also informed that consequent upon the death of four persons in the area and apprehensive for the worst, most of the pet dogs at Khurkhul, Loitang Khullen, Leikinthabi, Koutruk and adjoining villages have been slaughtered and buried.

Questioning if slaughtering of canines wil be able to control the menace, the Board appealed for immediate attention of the Department concerned to tackle the rabies menace.

Official sources said that all the victims displayed the behavioural symptoms of rabies before they succumbed to the disease.

Talking to The Sangai Express a highly placed source from the State Veterinary hospital said that the samples of brain tissues of some dogs have been found to be rabies positive.

The Florescence Anti-Body (FAT) test on the samples was conducted at the National Rabies Reference Laboratory at Kasauli, Shimla.

Though the source declined to give the exact figure of the samples sent for testing it is learnt that it could be about 10.One sample collected from a dog from Thoubal district was also sent for testing today.

To cope with the rising need to vaccinate domestic dogs, the State Veterinary Hospital is now kept open 24 hours a day.

Speaking to newsmen, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Minister Md Allauddin Khan said that rabies have been present in the State from before.

As per the Census of 2002, the number of domesticated dogs was put at 1,30,000 said the Minister and added that during the last 10 days or so about 10,000 dogs have been vaccinated.

The State Veterinary hospital at Sanjenthong is now kept open 24 hours a day to vaccinate dogs, said Allauddin and added that all steps will be taken up to ensure that there is no shortage of anti-rabies vaccine in the State.

Mobile teams will be put into service to administer the anti-rabies vaccine in the sub-divisions, said the Minister further.

Though the State has the facilities to conduct test on the samples of dogs, there is the need to send the samples to Kasauli for the necessary tests, said the Minister and added that it takes about 21 days to get the final results.

Talking on the culture of pet owners, the Minister said that in 2005, the State Veterinary Department bought anti-rabies vaccine for Rs 2 lakhs.

However since not many turned up to avail the vaccination facilities, a lot of vaccines went waste as it had touched the expiry date.

The Minister urged all the pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated on time and also to immediately inform if there is any report of dogs getting ill or dying.

A doctor of the Veterinary Dept said that many pet owners do not vaccinate their pets and this could be one reason for a large number of canines falling ill and attacking their owners.

The doctor also confirmed that the deaths reported from Thoubal are all related to rabies.

With cases of dog bites going up, Rabipur, the anti-rabies vaccine for human use is running out of stock.

On being contacted State epidemiologist Dr Th Biren said that the sudden rise in the case of dog bites has led to the low stock of anti-rabies vaccine, Rabipur in the market.

The State Health Department has sounded the stockist concerned to make sure that the stock position improves and is able to meet the demand of the people, added Dr Biren.

The stockist has also assured that 1000 doses of Rabipur will be brought in from Guwahati by tomorrow.

All the CMOs of different districts will be instructed to submit detailed report on the situation, said Dr Biren and added once the reports are received, a policy will be worked out to tackle the situation.

What to do if bitten by a dog ?

1) Wash the bitten part thoroughly with running water
2) Use soap liberally and wash thoroughly
3) Use of dettol highly recommended while washing the bruised part/s
4) Immediately report to the nearest clinic for anti-rabies vaccine
5) Do not bandage the bruised part/s.Leave it open.
6) Avoid stitching the wounds, leave it open.
7) If stitches are required then keep it to the minimum.

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