NT Reporter
Margao
The Mission Rabies model village project was launched at the Velim panchayat as a pilot initiative in Velim in South Goa and Colvale in North Goa.
The project has been launched as rabies continues to be a preventable yet fatal zoonotic disease, estimated to kill around 20,000 people in India, while Goa is maintained as an almost rabies-free state, even though neighbouring states remain highly endemic.
“Rabies remains a serious public health challenge but is entirely preventable, and by adopting Velim as a model village, it shows that science, community participation and compassion can come together to address community issues while treating animals with care and dignity,” said Velim MLA Cruz Silva.
Mission Rabies and the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, in collaboration with the Goa Institute of Management (GIM), will conduct a door-to-door survey followed by vaccination and sterilisation of dogs, rabies surveillance, education of children and community engagement.
The project also aims at the rescue of sick, injured or suffering dogs, immediate veterinary treatment and follow-up care, and referral for advanced treatment when required. The project will run till March 31, 2029.
Silva said he would extend full support to the project and thanked GIM volunteers for their involvement along with officials from the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.
