Pet owners in Kadapa district are urged to act quickly, as local authorities have announced the availability of 17,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines for dogs. The vaccination initiative was launched on July 6, 2025, coinciding with World Zoonosis Day, at the veterinary polyclinic, where District Collector Sridhar Cherukuri emphasized the importance of this opportunity.
Collector Cherukuri encouraged pet owners to take advantage of the free vaccination drive, highlighting the crucial role of community cooperation. He also called on animal activists to help disseminate information about the initiative, ensuring that every available dose is effectively utilized.
Recalling the historical significance of this day, the Collector noted that July 6 marks the anniversary of the first rabies vaccine administered by Louis Pasteur in 1885 to a boy bitten by a rabid dog. Cherukuri stressed the importance of vaccinating family pets, particularly because of the close interaction between pets and children. Such proximity heightens the risk of rabies transmission through bites, making vaccination essential.
In addition to urging pet owners, the Collector called on veterinarians to stay diligent about their own vaccinations, given their constant exposure to animals. He underscored that regular vaccinations are a critical component of preventive care in steering clear of rabies risks.
During the event, Cherukuri also highlighted the observance of ‘Fodder Week,’ which runs from July 7 to 14. To mark this occasion, he officially unveiled a poster designed by the Department of Animal Husbandry, aimed at raising awareness about livestock care and vaccination.
As rabies remains a significant public health concern, pet owners are encouraged to participate in the vaccination drive actively. By doing so, they not only safeguard their pets but also protect their families and communities from potential outbreaks of the disease.
For anyone in Kadapa district, this initiative represents a valuable opportunity to ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies while supporting broader public health efforts. The drive underlines the critical need for vaccinations as a preventive measure against zoonotic diseases, echoing global health messages about the importance of vaccination in promoting community health and safety.
The free rabies vaccinations are not only an essential service for pet owners but also a community health responsibility that echoes beyond the individual and into the realm of public health. Pet owners are encouraged to make use of this opportunity before the doses run out.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/anti-rabies-vaccination-drive-17000-doses-ready-in-andhra-pradeshs-kadapa-district/article69779477.ece
Category : Andhra Pradesh
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Publish Date: 2025-07-06 12:58:00
