Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation will launch a major anti-rabies vaccination and deworming campaign for stray dogs across the city on Tuesday, targeting around two lakh animals within 75 working days as part of its efforts to make Chennai rabies-free.
Under the programme, stray dogs will be caught zone-wise and administered anti-rabies vaccines by veterinary teams. The animals will also be given medication for internal and external parasites before being marked with coloured paint for identification and released back at the same locations from where they were caught.
The Corporation has deployed 30 teams for the campaign and plans to vaccinate around 3,000 stray dogs every day. The drive will initially be undertaken in Zones 1, 2 and 4 before being gradually expanded to cover all zones under the Greater Chennai Corporation.
Officials said the exercise would be conducted systematically to ensure maximum coverage of the city’s stray dog population and reduce the risk of rabies transmission.
The civic body had carried out a similar large-scale vaccination programme last year, during which 1,47,545 stray dogs within Corporation limits were administered anti-rabies vaccines and deworming medicines.
Building on last year’s campaign, the Corporation has set a higher target this year, with around two lakh stray dogs expected to be covered within 75 working days. Arrangements have also been made to provide free anti-rabies vaccination for pet dogs and cats during this year’s campaign.
Pet owners have been urged to make use of the facility and ensure their animals are protected against the deadly viral disease.
The campaign is being implemented with the cooperation of veterinarians and trainees from the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS).
Their participation is expected to strengthen the Corporation’s vaccination teams and help complete the programme within the stipulated period. The civic administration said the initiative formed an important part of its broader objective of achieving a “Rabies-Free Chennai” through widespread vaccination, deworming and increased public awareness.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has appealed to residents, pet owners and animal welfare activists to cooperate with veterinary teams during the campaign. Officials said sustained vaccination coverage and community participation would be crucial to controlling rabies and protecting both people and animals across Chennai.
(IANS)
