World Zoonosis Day: Register, vaccinate pets regularly: Vet

Chamba, July 6

World Zoonosis Day was observed at the district level today under the chairmanship of Chamba Chief Medical Officer Dr Vishal Mahajan.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mahajan said the day was observed annually to raise awareness about the prevention of zoonotic diseases, and to combat them.

The day was observed on July 6 to commemorate the day when French biologist Louis Pasteur successfully administered the first rabies vaccine and saved the life of a young boy who had been bitten by a rabid dog, the CMO added. He noted that zoonosis, or zoonotic diseases, are infections or infectious diseases that originate from animals. Swine flu, rabies, bird flu and many foodborne infections are zoonotic diseases that can be fatal to humans.

Understanding the impact of zoonotic diseases on human health and taking necessary precautions is crucial, he said.

“Anyone who has a pet must ensure they are vaccinated to protect both the pet and the people around them. Additionally, we should all educate ourselves about zoonotic diseases, their impact and precautionary measures,” he added.

Senior Veterinary Officer, Animal Husbandry Department, Dr Gulshan Kumar, as the special guest at the event, said 60 per cent diseases were transmitted from animals to humans. These included rabies, COVID-19, SARS, Ebola, Nipah virus, bird flu, influenza, plague, scabies, scrub typhus, brucellosis, toxoplasmosis and bovine TB. He emphasised the importance of registering and vaccinating pets regularly, and getting vaccinations and treatment for humans bitten by animals.

“Additionally, avoiding contact with infected animals, maintaining hygiene and implementing vector control measures are crucial to preventing these diseases,” he added. District Programme Officer Dr Harit Puri, Dr Vaibhavi Gurung, Dr Suresh, Public Education and Information Officer CR Thakur and Deepak Joshi were among those present at the event.