Sun Sep 29 00:25:00 UTC 2024: ## Sonitpur District Celebrates World Rabies Day with Multifaceted Approach
**Tezpur, Assam:** The Sonitpur district of Assam concluded its week-long rabies awareness program on Saturday, culminating with a celebratory event aligning with World Rabies Day 2024. Organized by the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, the program brought together stakeholders from various sectors to raise awareness and promote rabies prevention.
The event featured expert discussions and presentations, highlighting the importance of rabies control and the urgent need for community engagement. Dr Jyoti B Dutta, Professor & Head of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, stressed the social responsibility aspect of rabies prevention.
Discussions covered key issues such as identifying rabies hotspots, integrating awareness into school curriculums, and addressing the lack of public awareness, particularly in vulnerable forest fringe areas.
This year’s World Rabies Day theme, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” was reflected in the program’s innovative approaches. Art activities in Tarajuli T E Community awareness camps encouraged a healthy dog-human relationship among school children. Street plays by Mass Communication students from Tezpur University further reinforced the message.
Folk-based awareness songs in Assamese and Bodo, led by Pashusakhis Rina Basumatary and Bhagyashree Narzary, encouraged communities to seek immediate medical attention for dog bites.
The event saw participation from officials across various departments, signifying a “One Health” approach to tackle rabies. A mega pet vaccination program and pet parent meet at the State Veterinary Hospital in Tezpur further solidified the program’s comprehensive focus on rabies prevention and awareness.
First Piper 