Current Program Analysis (Presentation Scripts)

Current Program Analysis: Rabies Control in India
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Current Program Analysis: Rabies Control in India
Background
Rabies is a neurological disorder that affects mammals including human beings. The disease is caused by a virus and is transmitted through animal bites (Blancou, 1988). Once the clinical signs of the disease are established in an individual, it is considered fatal (Fekadu, 1991). The prevalence of rabies is very high amongst South East Asian countries (Stubbs &Bloomberg, 1995). The prevalence of rabies of rabies in India is highest in the world. Most incidences of rabies in India are attributed to canine bites (Coleman & Dye, 1996). Lack of awareness and lack of rabies control programs are the major causes of increased prevalence of rabies in India. In India, approximately 20, 000 deaths occur per year are attributed to rabies infection. Hence, different rabies control programs have been implemented in India. However, the results are mixed and the policy makers are trying out their level best for reducing the prevalence of rabies in India. The present article appraised the different initiatives that are implemented for controlling rabies in India. Finally, the article would portray one relatively successful program which has been effective in controlling rabies in India.
Rabies Control Programs and Issues
The Government of India (GOI) has endorsed on the importance of initiating prophylaxis against rabies.

Post-exposure prophylaxis is considered as a medical crisis and anti-rabies medications are made available in public healthcare settings free of cost. Moreover, the GOI has also made it mandatory for initiating pre-exposure prophylaxis in at-risk individuals on day 0, day 7 and on day 21/28 before exposure to canine bites. Immunization of pets and “neighborhood dogs” are also implemented for reducing the prevalence of rabies. However, inter-sectoral co-ordination is poor in India. In spite of high disease burden, there is no national program on rabies. Moreover, there is a lack of clarity on the role of animal husbandry in India. Scale-up and replication of pilot projects are another issues that limit rabies control in India. Lack of census and surveillance on canine population is another issue that limits successful implementation of rabies control programs in India (Sudarshan, Mahendra & Narayan, 2001).
Appraisal of a Successful Rabies Control Program in India
India has initiated a mission of immunizing neighborhood dogs for controlling the prevalence of rabies. The program combines sterilization and vaccination of neighborhood dogs. In India, 60% dogs fall under the category of neighborhood dogs (Chawla & Reece, 2002). Neighborhood dogs are referred as those dogs which are either semi-independent or are independent of human support for their food and shelter. The program is conducted as per WHO and WSPA (World Society for protection of Animals). One such program was conducted in a city of Northern India (Pal, 2001). The program was undertaken for eight years. After implementation of such programs death from rabies was reduced to 0%. Moreover, the population of neighborhood dogs was reduced by 28%. Hence, such a program was considered effective in controlling rabies in the concerned city (Reece & Chawla, 2006).
Discussion and Conclusion
Although different rabies control programs are implemented in India, the prevalence of rabies is still high. Effective rabies control programs should be planned, implemented and replicated for reducing the prevalence of India. Availability, affordability and accessibility to post-exposure prophylactic regimes may significantly reduce the prevalence of rabies of India. Moreover, the canine population should be reduced (especially the population of neighborhood dogs) in compliance with guidelines of the World Society for Protection of Animals. The GOI and policy makers should think of protected captivity of neighborhood dogs in the near future.
References
Blancou, J. (1988) Epizootiology of rabies: Eurasia and Africa. In Rabies.
Eds J. B. Campbell, K. M. Charlton. Boston, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 242-265
Coleman, P., & Dye, C. (February, 1996) Immunisation coverage required to prevent
outbreaks of dog rabies. Vaccine 14, 185-186
Chawla, S.; & Reece, J. (May, 2002) Timing of oestrus and reproductive behaviour in Indian
street dogs. Veterinary Record 150, 450-451
Fekadu, M. (1991) Canine rabies. In The Natural History of Rabies. 2nd edn. Ed G.
M. Baer. Boca Raton, CRC Press, 367-387
Pal, S. (March, 2001). Population ecology of free-ranging urban dogs in West Bengal, India.
Acta Theriologica 46, 69-78
Reece J & Chawla A. (September, 2006).Control of rabies in Jaipur, India, by the sterilisation
& vaccination of neighbourhood dogs Veterinary Record, 16
Sudarshan, M.., Mahendra, B.; & Narayan, A (December, 2001). A community survey of dog
bites, anti-rabies treatment, rabies and dog population management in Bangalore city.
Journal of Communicable Disease 33, 245-251
Stubbs, W.; & Bloomberg, M. (February,1995). Implications of early neutering in the dog
and cat. Seminars in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (Small Animal) 10, 8-12