IMPACT AND CONSTRAINTS TO CONTROL RABIES IN KOLKATA THROUGH ONE HEALTH APPROACH

Abstract

To control rabies, several anti rabies measures like humane control of stray dog
population (ABC), anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) of both stray dogs and dog bitten
citizens, administration of rabies immunoglobulin (ERIG), mass awareness
programme etc. was undertaken by the Health Department, KMC within One
Health framework along with the urban community participation in Kolkata, India.
The reported cases of human rabies along with ARV of both stray dogs and dog
bitten citizens, ERIG administration, number of sterilization of stray dogs were
recorded and analysed throughout the five years of study since 2011. Decreasing
trend of rabies in man and less demand of ARV and ERIG in cases of dog bitten
citizens since 2013 were observed with the unique findings of more rabies affected
citizens above 40 years of age. Adopted anti rabies measures seems to be fruitful
to reduce the demand for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). During the period of
the study, a number of constraints and challenges has been experienced
hindering rabies control programme; One Health Approach may be the best
pathway to control rabies, if Government considers and intervenes with a few
steps