By The Sampadak Express
Manipur’s New Zoveng village, located in Churachandpur, was declared a containment zone on Friday following the detection of multiple rabies cases, according to district officials. The move comes after health authorities determined that there was a significant risk to both public health and animal safety in the surrounding areas.
In response to the threat, district authorities have imposed strict measures to curb the spread of the disease. One of the key restrictions is the prohibition on the movement of domesticated pets and dogs in and out of the village. Additionally, the district administration has directed that all pets and stray dogs in New Zoveng be identified and vaccinated.
Surveillance and Monitoring Measures
During the containment period, authorities will implement door-to-door surveillance, health check-ups, and continuous monitoring to ensure adherence to the new guidelines. The sale and transportation of domestic dogs will also be banned, with severe penalties imposed on those found violating these orders.
District Magistrate Dharun Kumar emphasized that these measures were necessary to prevent further outbreaks and safeguard public health. Anyone violating these regulations will face legal consequences, as per the district magistrate’s directive.
Rabies Situation in India
Rabies continues to be a significant public health concern in India. A recent study published in Lancet Infectious Diseases highlighted that dogs are responsible for approximately 75% of animal bites in the country. The same study, conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), estimates that over 5,700 rabies-related deaths occur annually in India.
The study also noted that a considerable number of individuals who were bitten by dogs did not receive proper anti-rabies vaccinations. Among those who were vaccinated, a substantial portion failed to complete the full vaccination course, increasing the risk of rabies transmission.
As New Zoveng remains under containment, authorities urge the public to adhere to safety measures and ensure their pets are vaccinated to help prevent further rabies cases.
