Dog bite cases on the rise in Allahabad

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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4956348.cms

 

Dog bite cases on the rise

TNN 31 August 2009, 10:58pm IST

ALLAHABAD: Dogs are regarded as man's best friend. But, if the incidents of dog

bite in the city in the past six months are any indication, the

adage might not hold true.

 

According to the health department, at least 15-20 dog bite or stray animal bite

cases are reported daily in the city on an average. And, despite the health

department providing rabies vaccine to the victims at health centres and

government hospitals, there seems to be no let up in the number of cases.

 

Dr SAM Meesum, paediatrician and medical officer, said though cases of dog bites

are rising in the city, bodies like Allahabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) have

failed to initiate the required steps to control the situation.

 

He added that it is the duty of the AMC to catch stray dogs and sterilise them,

but this is seldom exercised.

 

Meesum said the actual figures of dogs bites must be four to five times higher

as many cases (for example those treated by private doctors, nursing homes or

hospitals) go unreported. Besides rabies, dogs can transmit about 50 other

diseases to humans, ranging from common roundworm infestations, echinococcal

cyst to several chronic diseases and some rare and fatal diseases like

rickettsia which also affect pet dogs.

 

Additional CMO Dr VK Srivastava, meanwhile, said the results of dog bite for

those who neglect to get themselves vaccinated after a slight wound can be

serious. Rabies, once contracted, is invariably 100% fatal, and there is no

remedy if anti-rabies vaccines fail to help, as it happens in several cases.

 

Besides, stray dogs are a major nuisance on roads in the night. Many

two-wheelers riders have suffered injuries after being chased by dogs. Also,

children who often play on the streets are vulnerable to dog bites.

 

Though pets are safe, humans are at great risk. Anti-rabies vaccination is a

must after any dog bite as some rabies patients do not even recall being bitten

at all.

 

However, on being contacted, a senior AMC official said, " An exercise to catch

stray animals including dogs is underway in different parts of the city areas " .

He added that as there are many stray animals in the city it would take some

time to check the menace.

 

Thank you for your compassion !

With best regards,

Debasis Chakrabarti

Compassionate Crusaders Trust

http://www.animalcrusaders.org