Rabies confirmed in dog that attacked five morning walkers in Museum

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Concern spread after the stray dog, which went on a bite spree on morning walkers in the museum, tested positive for rabies. The injured are now under observation.

The health centres near their homes were instructed in this regard. The injured reached the general hospital and were given injections. The injured are Shyam, a native of Thycaud; Sarath Babu, a native of Museum junction; Thampi, a native of Kuriyathy; Udayalal, a native of Anad; and Ayyappan, a native of Velannad. All of them have wounds on their body. Therefore, IDRV and immunoglobulin injections were given.

The incident took place on Tuesday morning. The stray dog ​​bit people who were walking near the food court in the museum premises. An emergency team led by the zoo's veterinary surgeon was formed, and a search was conducted, but the dog could not be found. The dog was later found dead in the museum premises. The dog was then taken to the Palode Veterinary Centre for examination. In the tests conducted, the presence of rabies was confirmed. Visitors said that the dog had bitten people and dogs in the museum premises. The Corporation ABC team caught the injured dogs and sent them to a 21-day quarantine.

Though dogs are allowed inside the museum premises, the present condition is worse, with street dogs dominating the premises to the point of endangering the lives of commuters. An emergency meeting was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the zoo director to assess the situation. It was decided to take steps to eliminate the stray dog ​​nuisance in the museum compound, which is a biosecurity area. Years ago, when stray dogs entered the premises, an epidemic spread to other animals inside the zoo.

Two days ago, a stray dog ​​tried to attack a child from a North Indian family who had come to the museum premises in the evening. The mother of the child tried to shield him but fell to the ground near the food court. She suffered injuries to her hand and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.