Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, April 26: World Veterinary Day is observed on April 27. This year, the theme is on the ‘Value of Vaccination.’
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, Dr. Michael Imchen, VAS Veterinary Hospital, Dimapur, said that people were “more aware of the importance and value” of vaccination to animals today.
“Every day I receive one or two pets for anti-rabies shots at my clinic which shows that people are more aware these days,” said Imchen, adding that even in villages people are more aware of getting the farm animals vaccinated.
He informed that diseases such as rabies and swine fever are very common in Nagaland, which also affects humans.
“People eat dog meat but it doesn’t mean that the disease is passed on eating the meat but by getting bitten,” said imchen.
Imchen also said that people who rear animals for livelihood should know that vaccinating their animals would only benefit them, as the animals will live longer.
He also informed that the department has taken up the challenge to eradicate rabies for several years by providing vaccines time and again, in different locations.
Thungchamo Ngullie, the deputy CVO od the department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, said that vaccines are very important as it prevents and controls any outbreak of major diseases in animals and birds.
“It is mostly for prevention and should be done well in advance according to the seasons,” said Ngullie.
Taking the example of the recent outbreak of Haemorrhagic septicaemia in Medzhiphema area where several buffaloes were killed, Ngullie said that at the moment treatment is being given but after the course is over, proper vaccination will be done in the area to prevent further spread.
“Ring vaccination will be provided in the affected areas and neighbouring villages, which means that all areas under the vicinity of a circle will be vaccinated to stop the spread,” maintained Ngullie.
He also stressed on the health of an animal being in good condition during vaccination to stimulate a good resistant reaction and increase an effective level of defence against the disease.
While speaking about the diseases that can pass on from animals to humans, the doctor said that diseases such as rabies are most deadly, “hence vaccination plays a key role in protecting animals and humans.”
Eastern Mirror also caught up with the owner of an animal shelter in Dimapur, Noah’s Ark Nagaland. Imlisen, who started the shelter, said that she tries to get all the animals that “come in vaccinated.”
“I make sure that they are all vaccinated and given medical attention in case of any sickness when they come in,” said imlisen and encouraged everyone that if they adopt or buy any animals to make sure that proper and timely vaccination are given “as it helps build their immunity.”
