Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) Ludhiana in collaboration with McMaster University’s Pre-Veterinary Club in Hamilton, Canada organized ‘Anti-Rabies and Deworming’ camp on 14th August, 2018 at its small Animal Clinics, Hospital complex, GADVASU, Ludhiana. The camp started at 9.15 am till 1 pm.
The club and vet varsity aims to alleviate the stigma surrounding the vaccination of companion animals. Rabies is a vaccine-preventable zoonotic disease which occurs in more than 150 countries and territories.
However, in India, rabies remains of low public health priority, despite being a major public health problem. Rabies can affect both domestic and wild animals, however as confirmed by the World Health Organization in 2017, domestic dogs are responsible for rabies virus transmission to humans in 99 percent of cases. Rabies elimination is feasible through vaccination of dogs, therefore for our safety, immunization of our pets is just as important as that of any other member of our family, and should not overlook. With this Anti-Rabies and De-worming Camp, the both collaborators hope to educate the public regarding the importance of proper vaccination of their pets in hopes that they will continue this routine practice in the future - for the health of their pets as well as their own. It is important to mention that worm infestation both Ecto and Endo parasites are more prevalent during this season which is very stressful to the pets.
Niharika Verma is the co-president of McMaster University’s Pre-Veterinary Club in Hamilton, Canada. This club’s goal is to inspire McMaster students to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Along with planning various events throughout the year, McMaster’s Pre-Vet Club also works towards spreading awareness regarding hot topics in veterinary science, which include but are not limited to: the importance of vaccinating our pets, the dangers of rabies, ticks and Lyme disease etc. Earlier also, such camp was held and the club is going to make it an annual feature and also planning to do more camps for large animals in rural areas of Punjab, so that farmers can be benefitted.
