They waddled in pouncing and prancing. There were some fortunate ones peering out of the bosom of their owners. The premises of the Government Veterinary Hospital on Mahatma Gandhi Road became a canine zone on Tuesday, with owners of pet dogs lugging them for vaccination against rabies. Over 1,000 pet dogs were vaccinated against rabies at the hospital as part of the World Zoonosis Day on Tuesday.
Among the several breeds that were seen visiting the campus, the Pomeranian breed dominated the scene.
The energetic, free-spirited, friendly and playful lot included breeds like Beagle, Labrador, Great Dane, Cocker Spaniel, Daschund and Poodle.
At a meeting organised at the venue to spread awareness about the zoonotic diseases and preventive measures, Krishna District Medical and Health Officer U. Prasad Rao explained the importance of the day. “This day is observed mainly to remind human beings of the need to love animals. Rearing of pet animals can actually gift one a healthy life,” he said, citing the example of a pet dog. “The playful canine makes us feel light and stress-free,” he added. Listing out the various zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to human beings, he said the most common ones were encephalitis, bird flu, swine flu, anthrax and other skin ailments.
Joint Director of Animal Husbandry Department M. Eeswaraiah, who presided over the meeting, listed the various ailments that could pose a health threat to the human beings from animals. He said it was essential to understand for pet owners to exercise all precautionary measures to avoid any disease to their pets.
Assistant Director K. Nagesh Babu said people must have their pet dogs vaccinated against rabies every year. “The rabies virus is present in a dog's saliva and thus one must be careful while playing or handling it,” he cautioned. He, however, expressed happiness at what he called an increased awareness among pet owners.
Assistant Surgeon J. Jayalakshmi and others were present.