Imphal, March 19: Following the recent outbreak of rabies and death of many persons resulting from canine bite in Thoubal and Iroishemba areas, the State has woke up to the menace and has launched widespread anti-rabies vaccination in several parts of the State.

Even as the campaign to give Anti-Rabies Vaccines (ARV) to dogs has been launched on a large scale, the number of persons admitted to different hospitals on account of dog bite has been increasing day by day.

Notwithstanding 23000 doses of ARVs injected to numerous canines of different parts of the State, more than 80 victims of canine bite were admitted to RIMS alone in between March 15 and 19.Speaking to The Sangai Express, proprietor of Kanglei Veterinary Clinic, Pureiromba Khongnang Khong, Dr RK Satyendra informed that out of the 26000 doses of ARVs including 3000 doses imported from foreign countries, only about 2000 doses have been left.

He further mentioned that one ARV known by its brand name Ravipur Vaccine is now out of stock as 50 doses were sold out in just half an hour.

However he assured that Ravipur Vaccine and other ARVs would be made available to the public in sufficient quantity within a week.

Meanwhile, a veterinary expert who does not want to reveal his identity, disclosed that such outbreak of rabies epidemic is unprecedented in Manipur in the last 40 years.

To avoid this disease hosted by wild animals, ARV should be given to pet dogs twice in the first year after a gap of six months after which dogs should be given ARV once in every year, the expert added.

It is questionable whether the Veterinary Dept is following the schedule or just taking money without performing their duty, he noted.

Moreover, 50 doses of ARV have been delivered to dogs in a vaccination programme organised by People For Animals at Yairipok.

In Thoubal district altogether 622 persons have been vaccinated against rabies in addition to 70 persons vaccinated at District Hospital, Thoubal.

But what concerns people is that ARVs are not available now in Thoubal.

Seminar On Rabies and Bird Flu :A seminar on rabies and bird flu would be held at Thoubal Leprosy Control Unit on March 21.

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