The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will conduct mass awareness campaigns to eradicate rabies through specially designated, LED-equipped vehicles across its limits.

The vehicles will travel to all wards to educate citizens about rabies prevention. The BBMP will also reach out to BBMP-run government, and private schools and colleges to educate students about rabies prevention and control, and send the campaign vehicles there.

Taking part in the observation of World Zoonoses Day (marked on July 6) on Monday, Special Commissioner (Health), BBMP Suralkar Vikas Kishor stressed on the importance of proactive measures to prevent the spread of rabies.

“Several diseases are transmitted from animals to humans. People are often in close contact with dogs, and dog bites can lead to serious health issues. Therefore, it is essential to vaccinate animals regularly against rabies and to spread awareness among the public,” he said.

“No one should isolate or avoid animals out of fear. Instead, we must learn to co-exist and understand their behaviour. Further IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities related to zoonotic diseases will also be undertaken,” he added.

The official also said that BBMP in collaboration with KVAFSU- WOAH Reference Rabies diagnostic Laboratory, Charlie’s Animal Rescue Center (CARE), WVS-Mission Rabies and other Animal Welfare Organisations (BBMP service providers) is making efforts to make Bengaluru rabies-free by 2030. This includes mass dog vaccination drives and the implementation of advanced rabies surveillance systems.