Anti-rabies camp at vet varsity today

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 13

The Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, in collaboration with the McMaster University’s Pre-Veterinary Club in Hamilton, Canada, will be organising ‘Anti-rabies and deworming’ camp on August 14 at the Small Animal Clinic, Hospital Complex, GADVASU.

The camp will begin at 9.15 am and continue till 1 pm. Pet owners can register their names on Monday. The club and vet varsity aim to alleviate stigma surrounding the vaccination of companion animals.

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable zoonotic disease which occurs in more than 150 countries and territories. However, in India, rabies remains a low public health priority despite being a major public health problem. Rabies can affect both domestic and wild animals.

The World Health Organisation in 2017 confirmed that domestic dogs are responsible for rabies virus transmission to humans in 99 per cent cases. Rabies elimination is feasible through vaccination of dogs, therefore, immunisation of pets is just as important as that of any other family member.

With this anti-rabies and de-worming camp, both the collaborators hope to educate public regarding the importance of proper vaccination of their pets. It is important to mention that worm infestation both ‘ecto and endo’ parasites are more prevalent during this season which is very stressful for pets.

Niharika Verma, who is co-president of the McMaster University’s Pre-Veterinary Club in Hamilton said the club’s goal is to inspire McMaster students to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

She added that along with planning various events throughout the year, McMaster’s Pre-Vet Club also works towards spreading awareness regarding topics in veterinary science.