India - Bangalore

World Rabies Day was observed at a public function organized by Bangalore Municipal Corporation at Banashankari Referral Hospital premises, Bangalore at 11.00 AM on 28th September, 2008. The chief guest of this function was Sri. Maheshwar Rao, IAS, Special Commissioner, Bangalore Municipal Corporation, Bangalore. The other guest of honour are Dr. M K Sudarshan, Principal, KIMS Medical College, Bangalore & President, Rabies in Asia (RIA) Foundation Dr S N Madhusudana, Additional Professor of Neurovirology, NIMHANS, Bangalore & Chairman, Rabies in Asia, India Chapter Dr. S Yathiraj, Dean & Professor of Veterinary Medicine, Government Veterinary College, Bangalore Dr. D H Ashwath Narayana, Associate Professor of Community Medicine, KIMS, Bangalore & Treasurer, Rabies in Asia, India Chapter Dr. L T Gayathri, Chief Health Officer, Bangalore Municipal Corporation, Bangalore.

All the speakers stressed on Creating awareness among public on responsible pet ownership (Licensing & vaccination}, stray dog control, proper garbage disposable, Providing post exposure prophylaxis for all animal bite victims & preventive vaccination for school children for preventing & reducing rabies both among animal & human population. Intradermal route of administration of rabies vaccine was given to an animal bite victim in front of public to create awareness on need to utilize this service which is provided free of cost in Municipal Corporation hospitals in Bangalore city.