THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the Animal Birth Control Program (ABC), which sterilizes street dogs has come to a halt, the stray dog attacks became rampant in Kerala. There is also the fear of rabies infection. The number of dog bite incidents and rabies deaths are also increasing.

About 1,50,000 people sought treatment for dog bites this year. 19 of them died of rabies. According to the health department, 15 of them did not take the vaccine. The fact that four people died despite taking the vaccine raised concerns about its effectiveness. They were bitten on the chest, face, neck, ears and palms. The poison quickly reaches the brain through the wounds on these parts. Experts say that even taking the vaccine will not work.

Two people died in Kozhikode and one each in Kannur and Palakkad districts despite taking the vaccine. Kerala Kaumudi had reported the other day that the Health department did not release the figures of rabies deaths. Then the authorities clarified in this regard.

10,000 sterilizations per month

Only if more than 10,000 sterilizations are done every month, the increase in street dogs can be effectively stopped. Now sterilization is nominal. Local bodies in Kozhikode, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram districts sterilize not even 20 dogs a day. In Thiruvananthapuram, sterilization is only done at Veterinary Hospital, Pettah. That too below ten a day.

ABC program implemented in local bodies came to a standstill after Covid crisis. Kudumbashree which became its implementing agency in 2017 was active till May 2019 and halted after Covid.

Cat bites too increased

Till June this year, 3.66 lakh people got vaccinated due to dog and cat bites. Out of this, 2.19 lakh are cat bites.

Even when the health department claims that the vaccine is safe, it should be checked that whether there are defects in its storage, says experts.

Rabies death in last 8 months (district wise)

Thiruvananthapuram 6

Palakkad 4

Thrissur 3

Kozhikode 2

Idukki 1

Kannur 1

Kollam 1

Kottayam 1

Dog bite cases

2017 -1,35,749

2018 -1,48,365

2019 -1,61,050

2020 -1,60,483

2021- 2,21,379

2022- 1,47,287 (up to June)

4 types of vaccine

Chick-embryo, Duck-embryo, Vero cell, Human Diploid Cell are the four types of vaccines used. Chick-embryo and Vero cell vaccines are used in the government sector. The more expensive human diploid cell vaccine is used in private hospitals. It has less chance of allergy. All five doses are given in a duration of 0,3,7,14,28 days.

Patients and treatment

People who have been licked or scratched by dogs and cats will be observed for certain days. Vaccination will be given if necessary

For Scratching and bleeding on the skin - 5 doses of vaccine

Wound - A dose of immunoglobulin in the wound in addition to the vaccine