THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister J Chinchu Rani has announced that the government will conduct an intensive drive to vaccinate stray dogs from September 20th to October 20th to prevent rabies in the state. She also said that the Animal Welfare Department will start 37 more centres for sterilization from the beginning of next month. This is in accordance with the Rabies Free Kerala scheme.
The goal is to completely reduce the number of stray dogs by 2025. Priority in vaccination will be given to hotspots where more people have been bitten by dogs. There are 170 hotspots in the state. 78 dog catchers have been identified for vaccination. The expenses will be borne by the local bodies.
So far, two lakh doses of the vaccine have been injected into dogs. Four lakh doses were distributed to veterinary hospitals in various districts. Authorities have taken steps to buy four lakh more doses.
Veterinary doctors and dog catchers have been selected on a contractual basis for sterilization centres. They will undergo training. Sterilization centres have been started in Alappuzha, Kannur, Thrissur and Kottayam districts. 7.7 crore has been earmarked for the ABC program in 340 local bodies in the state.
Hotspots (District, number in order).