MCD takes sting out of dog bites

Civic agency claims rabies cases have declined significantly after opening of new vaccination centres

The bites still hurt, but at least you'll be at less risk afterwards. According to data provided by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the number of cases of rabies has gone down considerably in the last few years.



While 217 cases were reported in 2003, the number stood at 73 in 2010. The number of people who died of the disease has been fluctuating. In 2003, 13 people were killed by rabies, while 15 people died in 2010.

According to the civic agency, the increase in the number of the Anti- Rabies vaccination centres has resulted into the decline of the figure.

"The number of anti-rabies vaccination centres has increased from 10 to 12. Also, earlier there was no anti-rabies serum included in the treatment. People are also becoming more aware about protection and treatment," said Dr VK Monga, Chairman, Health Committee, MCD.

"Though they claim to have a large number of anti-rabies vaccination centres, but the truth is that they have been shifting a large number of dogs from the city. Every year, they shift almost 25-30 per cent of the dogs to other towns," said an MCD official on the condition of anonymity.
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But the civic agency has refuted all such rumours saying that it has been following government policies without flouting any rules.

"If we pick any dog for sterilisation, we drop it afterwards at the place from where we picked him. It's in the dog policy made by the government. No dog has been sent outside the city," added Dr Monga.