A massive outbreak of rabies has been reported in Manipur, with multiple cases surfacing in Churachandpur district. The crisis began last week, prompting authorities to take swift action to contain the spread of the disease. As reported by NDTV, the authorities have declared New Zouveng village in the Churachandpur district a containment zone.
According to official sources, around 749 people have been bitten by dogs since January, and tragically, three persons have lost their lives due to the deadly disease. The village has seen multiple confirmed and suspected cases of rabies, posing a significant threat to the health and safety of both humans and animals.
To combat the outbreak, District Magistrate Dharun Kumar has imposed strict restrictions on the movement of domesticated pets and dogs within and outside the village. He has directed the identification and vaccination of all pets and stray dogs in the area, stating that surveillance, door-to-door monitoring, and health check-ups will be conducted. The sale and transport of domestic dogs have been strictly banned during the containment period, with violators facing penal action.
The Veterinary Department has deployed Quick Response Teams to conduct surveys in the affected area. The teams have surveyed approximately 30 households, administering dog vaccinations to all households and providing them with vaccination certificates. However, District Veterinary Officer Dr. Veithienneng has identified the insufficient supply of vaccine as the biggest challenge in tackling the outbreak.
The authorities are taking a proactive approach to contain the spread of the disease, with a focus on protecting both humans and animals. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how successful their efforts will be in stamping out the outbreak and preventing further cases from emerging.
