- AMC launches mass vaccination, data-driven surveillance, and citizen outreach to mark World Rabies Day 2025
- Despite steady progress, the city faces 2.1 lakh stray dogs and an average of 8–10 daily dog bite cases
- Rabies, a 100% preventable disease, continues to claim nearly 36% of global deaths in India, primarily through dog bites
NE ENVIRONMENT BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, SEPT 25
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) hason Thursday launched a week-long campaign to mark World Rabies Day 2025 (Sept 25–Oct 2) under the global theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community.” With this initiative, AMC has reaffirmed its ambitious mission to make Ahmedabad rabies-free by 2030 through vaccination, sterilization, data-driven surveillance, and community awareness.
Rabies, a 100% preventable disease, continues to claim nearly 36% of global deaths in India, primarily through dog bites. AMC’s multi-pronged approach includes an expanded Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, mandatory pet dog registration, and public-private partnerships with NGOs like People for Animals and the Gol Foundation.
Progress So Far
- 154,402 dogs sterilized/vaccinated (2021–2025)
- Yearly Achievements:
- 2021–22: 30,360
- 2022–23: 46,471
- 2023–24: 40,206
- 2024–25: 14,461
- 2025–26 (till Sept): 3,054
- 18,000+ pet dogs registered on AMC’s online system since Jan 2025
- ₹8 crore budget allocated for expanded sterilization and vaccination drives
Despite steady progress, the city faces 2.1 lakh stray dogs and an average of 8–10 daily dog bite cases. AMC plans to expand vaccination teams, enforce stricter registration compliance, and roll out booster shots for strays.
Voices from the Frontline
Purviben Rahul, Chairperson, Health Committee – AMC commented: “Rabies is not just a medical issue, it is a community challenge. Every citizen has a role — whether by vaccinating their pets, reporting strays, or participating in awareness drives. Together, we can make Ahmedabad India’s first rabies-free metro by 2030.”
Dr. R.K. Sahu, Director of Zoo, AMC said: “Our focus this year is on data-led prevention. Daily reporting of dog bite cases on the IHIP portal and GIS mapping of hotspots will help us direct resources more effectively and prevent outbreaks before they spread.”
Dr. M.K. Jhala, Director of Research & Dean, Faculty of PG Studies, Anand Agriculture University, said: “Academic and veterinary institutions are vital partners. By training young vets and mobilizing students, we are building a new generation of rabies warriors who combine science with social responsibility.”
Dr. Suketu Upadhyay, Zoonotic Disease Expert, IIPH Gandhinagar added: “Rabies is 100% preventable, yet it still kills. The real vaccine is awareness. School campaigns, street plays, and community-level training are just as critical as medical interventions.”
Naresh Rajput, HoD, Cattle Nuisance Control Department, AMC called for: “Sterilization and vaccination are not enough without compassion. Citizens must stop abandoning pets, start registering them, and treat community dogs as part of our shared environment.”
Key Activities (Sept 25–Oct 2, 2025)
- Mass vaccination drives for strays & pets
- Awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and universities
- Training & vaccination of frontline animal handlers
- Information blitz via TV, radio, print, and social media
- Surveillance & mapping of high-risk bite zones
- Strict enforcement of Gujarat Rabies Control Regulations, 2023
A Call to Action
AMC urges citizens to:
- Register their pets on the AMC portal
- Ensure timely vaccination and boosters
- Report stray dog populations responsibly
- Spread awareness within families and communities
“Join the movement — Act Now for a Rabies-Free Ahmedabad.”
