Shirva: Rabid dog menace in Bantakal area, residents advised to take precautions

Shirva: Two persons have been bitten by a rabid dog that has been on a rampage in the Bantakal area for the past few days.

Bantakal Nagarika Samiti President K R Patkar requested the locals to be cautious and beware of aggressive stray dogs.  and take enough precautions.

A dog with a black and white collar has bitten around 25 dogs in the area. it is suspected that the dog may be rabid and there is a possibility that these dogs may also be infected by the rabies virus in the next 10-15 days. In these circumstances, the public, especially students should be cautious, Patkar said.

Some organizations in the area under the leadership of Dr Arun Hegde had undertaken initiatives to vaccinate the stray dog population in Bantakal and Herur areas against rabies. However, the occurrence of rabies has caused fresh concerns.

Locals say they are confused about whom to report cases of rabies. “We are unsure about whom to contact in case of a rabid dog bite. Which department takes care of the stray dogs? Should we report it to the panchayat, police, animal husbandry, or the health department?” they asked.

Meanwhile, the Veterinary officer of Shirva Dr Arun Kumar Hegde asked people of the area to keep their pet dogs leashed. Pet animals should be given rabies vaccination without fail at least once a year.