SHILLONG: Following the tragic death of a nurse due to Rabies in Meghalaya after being bitten by stray dogs, the Guwahati-based organization Just Be Friendly (JBF) has appealed to the Meghalaya government to implement Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARC) programmes for stray dogs and cats in Meghalaya.
JBF, which has been working for the advancement of animal and social welfare since 2003, has been implementing Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies Vaccination programmes across the Northeast for the past several years.
“It is extremely unfortunate that Gracetyfull Marngar, a dedicated nurse from Meghalaya, recently lost her life due to rabies after being bitten by stray dogs. This incident highlights the pressing need for strengthened Rabies control measures in the state,” said Dr Sashanka Sekhar Dutta, Founder of JBF.
Dutta said that as per the Supreme Court guidelines, all states in India are obligated to implement animal birth control programmes.
“Our programmes aim to manage the free-roaming dog population and prevent the transmission of Rabies and other Zoonotic diseases to ensure the safety of both humans and animals,” the veterinarian said.
The JBF has proposed partnering with the Meghalaya government as well as other agencies to implement ABC-ARV programmes across the state, thereby focusing on high-risk areas.
“JBF can contribute to Rabies control in Meghalaya as the team has skills and resources to prevent such tragedies in the future,” Dutta said.
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The 32-year-old nurse, Gracetyfull Marngara, was employed as a Mid-Level Health Provider at Tynghor Health Sub Centre in West Khasi Hills district.
Marngar had unfortunately not received an anti-rabies vaccination after being bitten by stray dogs two months ago. Despite weeks of intensive treatment at Civil Hospital Shillong, rabies symptoms progressed rapidly, ultimately leading to her untimely demise.
