Authorities in Manipur have declared New Zoveng village in Churachandpur district a containment zone after multiple cases of rabies were detected, officials confirmed on Friday. The district administration has also imposed strict restrictions on the movement of domesticated pets, particularly dogs, to prevent further spread of the disease.
District magistrate Dharun Kumar issued an order restricting the movement of pets in and out of the village. He also directed officials to conduct mass vaccination drives for all domesticated and stray dogs in New Zoveng to curb the outbreak.
Strict Containment Measures Enforced
To ensure public safety, authorities have implemented door-to-door surveillance and health check-ups. The containment period will also involve continuous monitoring to prevent violations of the safety protocols.
Additionally, the sale and transport of domestic dogs have been strictly prohibited within the district. Anyone found violating these restrictions will face legal consequences, as per the district magistrate’s order.
Rabies Situation in India
Rabies remains a serious public health concern in India. According to a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, three out of four animal bites in India are caused by dogs. The study, conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) between March 2022 and August 2023 across 60 districts in 15 states, estimates that over 5,700 people die annually due to rabies in India.
The study also revealed gaps in post-bite treatment. Of the 1,576 people bitten by dogs, over 20% did not receive an anti-rabies vaccination, while two-thirds (1,043 individuals) received at least three doses. Moreover, half of the 1,253 people who took the first dose failed to complete the full vaccination course.
Authorities in Manipur are urging residents to remain vigilant and ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies to prevent further spread of the disease.
Sources By Agencies
