THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Health, local and animal husbandry departments are jointly devising an action plan to prevent rabies as street dog attacks increased in the state. Kerala Kaumudi on yesterday reported that 1.47 lakh people were bitten by dogs and 19 of them died due to rabies, Following this, a high-level meeting was conducted under the leadership of Ministers Veena George, M V Govindan, and Chinchu Rani and it decided to take immediate action. Senior officers of all the three departments participated in the meeting which was held at Navakairali Hall, Secretariat Annex 2.

In the meeting it was assessed dog bites have increased three times in many districts. Effective sterilization is the only way to reduce the number of dogs. It will be given more focus. The halted ABC program (Animal Birth Control) will be implemented on block basis. Sterilization centers will be established in each block. Along with this, the dogs will also be vaccinated. Sterilization is the responsibility of the local bodies and the animal husbandry department is responsible for vaccinating the dogs.

The meeting also decided to create strong awareness about taking anti-rabies vaccine. 'People shoud not be relectuant in taking the vaccine. A joint action is needed, Vaccine supply will be ensured in all major hospitals. Various departments will work together to control rabies.', said Minister Veena George