Recently, Goa has acquired the status of being a rabies-controlled state. In light of this achievement, the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS) is taking steps to ensure that the virus doesn't re-enter through its borders. Hence, people who are travelling to Goa with their pet animal(s) will have to inform the AHVS department and also get their pets vaccinated. This measure is being enforced only for dogs and cats and livestock is exempted from it.

Free immunisation for pets that aren't vaccinated yet

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In the past 3 to 4 years, no rabies deaths have been reported in Goa and officials are looking to continue this streak by keeping this deadly virus at bay. Thereby, all residents are mandated to get their pets inoculated and report to the concerned authorities if their pet shows any signs of infection.

Further, AHVS Directorate has released a hotline number on which pet-owners, especially tourists entering the Goa border, should call and share the information regarding their pet(s). It has been reported that if pets are not immunised against rabies, then the AHVS department will help the owners procure free vaccination.

In an attempt to keep the rabies virus at bay, panchayat level monitoring committees have been formed. These committees are being encouraged to collaborate with animal welfare organisations and start immunizing the street dogs sighted within their jurisdiction. Until now, almost 20 panchayats have signed an MoU to execute this task.

How Goa controlled the threat of rabies?

The number of rabies-related deaths among humans and their furry friends started declining since Mission Rabies was put into effect by the Goa Government. Under this mission, proper data was maintained regarding infections, deaths and other details, which helped the district-level monitoring committees maintain a strict vigil.