Extension activity in the wake of World Rabies Day

An extension activity involving SSBS students on “Free Anti-rabies Vaccination Drive for pets”, was conducted on Saturday, 3rd September 2022 at Pet clinic, Kasturi chowk, Hinjewadi, Pune. This activity was in line with the upcomingWorld Rabies Day on 28th September 2022. Since, M.Sc. Biotechnology students were learning about pathogenic and zoonotic viruses and the importance of vaccines for controlling and preventing associated diseases so it was meaningful to sensitize them about rabies-associated issues through this extension activity. In this activity, students displayed posters to spread awareness about rabies transmission, first-aid treatment, control measures, and post-bite vaccination schedules for humans. Pet owners in and around Pune were the benefiters of this activity. Rabies is a preventable viral disease that is most commonly spread via a rabid animal's bite. The rabies virus attacks mammals' central nervous systems, resulting in brain illness and death. It is one of the major zoonotic diseases in developing countries including India. Each year, India accounts for around 20,000 rabies-related human deaths, out of a total of 59,000 worldwide. Each of them is completely preventable, but a lack of knowledge about rabies and apprehension over a series of post-bite injections persist among Indians, resulting in deadly consequences for individuals who are bitten by dogs. Most animal bites in India (91.5%) are caused by dogs, with around 60% being strays and 40% being pets. Animal bites occur at a rate of 17.4 per 1000 people. Every 2 seconds, someone is bitten, and every 30 minutes, someone dies from rabies. Hence, sensitizing the students about rabies as a societal issue and spreading awareness about it through them was a meaningful extension activity. Impact of the activity: Biotechnology students were learning about pathogenic and zoonotic viruses and the importance of vaccines for controlling and preventing associated diseases so it was meaningful to sensitize them about rabies-associated issues through this extension activity. Through this activity, students got sensitized about rabies as a societal issue and importance of spreading awareness about it in the society. This helped the students to be creative in the ways in which information can be spread to the right stakeholders. Also, they understood the value of bringing the awareness in public and pet owners as rabies cause 18000- 20000 deaths annually in India.