Mission Rabies heads to India
Image: Luke Gamble, Steve Burden Photography
Luke Gamble, chief executive of the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), has announced the launch of an exciting project to tackle the ever-growing problem of rabies in India.
Mission Rabies will begin in September, when veterinary teams will be sent to ten rabies hotspots across India. Those teams will be tasked with vaccinating 50,000 dogs by World Rabies Day on 28 September.
A mobile veterinary hospital will also be travelling across the country to visit the checkpoints and carry out essential training and outreach veterinary services.
Speaking to delegates at BSAVA congress today, Luke Gamble, who brought the Mission Rabies team together, explained the origins of the project. During visits to India, he witnessed the suffering of both dogs and people due to the devastating effects of this disease.
Over a third of all reported cases of rabies occur in India, with an estimated 24 people dying every day from the disease. As 99 per cent of human cases are the result of dog bites, hundreds of thousands of dogs are inhumanly and indiscriminately killed each year, due to the immense fear of the disease.
At the heart of Mission Rabies is the desire to improve the lives of millions of dogs and people across India. Touching on the significant role of the veterinary profession in human as well as animal health, Mr Gamble said: "We are letting humanity down if we don't tackle rabies."
The aim of the project goes beyond September's vaccination target, comprising a three-year "campaign to stamp out rabies." Mr Gamble stressed the importance of collaborating with members of the profession in India, who will be running the checkpoints. He stated: "We are a profession united throughout the world."
The success of the mission is dependant on dedicated, adventurous veterinary volunteers, who are needed to run the mass vaccination clinics. Veterinary surgeons, students and nurses are all invited to apply for volunteer placements, where they will work alongside Indian vets and experience life in the country first-hand. For more information click here.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
