Mission Rabies Goa. Monthly Report June 2017

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Joy Willis
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Mission Rabies Goa Monthly Report June 2017 Vaccination Total number of dogs vaccinated in June 2017 = 4,832 The monsoon finally arrived in Goa giving the vaccination teams some much needed relief

1 Mission Rabies Goa Monthly Report June 2017 Vaccination Total number of dogs vaccinated in June 2017 = 4,832 The monsoon finally arrived in Goa giving the vaccination teams some much needed relief from the intense heat. Although working conditions are extremely challenging during the monsoon, the teams (equipped with raincoats and umbrellas) continued their work as usual (Figure 1) and still managed to vaccinate almost 5,000 dogs. The North Squad also dropped down to one team which had a significant impact on the vaccination work. Figure 1. Mission Rabies team continuing to vaccinate as many dogs as possible during the monsoon The following maps (Figures 2 and 3) highlight the vaccination coverage achieved by both the North and South Squads during June The different coloured areas indicate panchayats where vaccination is complete and the red areas highlight the panchayats still left to cover. Ponda Taluka is almost complete and the three teams that make up the south squad will be moving to Dharbandora Taluka at the beginning of July

2 Figure 2. Ponda Taluka Total vaccination Coverage June 2017 Figure 3. Tiswadi Taluka Total vaccination Coverage June

Rabies Cases Total number of positive rabies cases in June 2017 = 8 During June 2017, Mission Rabies responded to a total of sixteen suspected rabies cases; eight of which were confirmed positive.

Thus, the vaccination teams have still attended to a number of the calls. Next month the RRT should be fully operational; attending to rabies cases and assisting the vaccination teams with rescues.

3 Rabies Cases Total number of positive rabies cases in June 2017 = 8 During June 2017, Mission Rabies responded to a total of sixteen suspected rabies cases; eight of which were confirmed positive. The Rabies Response Team (RRT) headed by Dr Gowri and led by Dr Balaji has been semi-operational due to staff shortages and vehicle problems. Thus, the vaccination teams have still attended to a number of the calls. Next month the RRT should be fully operational; attending to rabies cases and assisting the vaccination teams with rescues. Date of rabies case Taluk Ward/Area Male/Female Neutered Owned or Age or entire Stray Bardez Candolim Male Neutered Adult Owned Tiswadi Old Goa Male Neutered Adult Stray Tiswadi Old Goa Male Entire Adult Stray Tiswadi Chimbel Male Entire Adult Stray Bardez Verla Male Entire Adult Owned Bardez Pilerne Female Neutered Adult Stray Bardez Povorim Male Entire Adult Stray Tiswadi Corlim Male Entire Adult Stray Team Structure This month the teams bid a sad farewell to Dr Abhilash and Dr Manthana. Both worked extremely hard and were excellent team leaders. Manthana returned to WVS Hicks ITC and Abhilash joined the WVS sterilisation programme in Kollegal. Dr Amulya, (Figure 4) a new WVS veterinarian commenced her vaccination rotation along with Dr Amanda (Figure 5) who is an experienced team leader returning to Mission Rabies for her third time. Figure 4. Dr Amulya with her team Figure 5. Dr Amanda back with her team for the third time 3

Team Training Recruiting experienced animal handlers/dog-catchers has always been a

recruited and trained during June 2017 (Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9). Figure 6.

4 Team Training Recruiting experienced animal handlers/dog-catchers has always been a challenge and with the increased number of vaccination teams there is a constant need for more staff. Thus, Mission Rabies Goa has taken the initiative and is currently developing a training programme for dog-catchers. A core head-catching training team has been established and five new catchers were recruited and trained during June 2017 (Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9). Figure 6. Teaching basic handling skills Figure 7. Training two new dog-catchers with the aid of a football Figure 8. Demonstrating how to restrain a dog in the net Figure 9. Showing how to carry an injured dog in a net 4

The Mission Rabies team leaders; Frank, Rajesh and Natarajan are continuing to attend WVS Hicks ITC one day per week to enhance their skills and knowledge as

Mission Rabies team leader - Rajesh, at WVS Hicks ITC monitoring a dog under anaesthesia Other News Frank recently had a motorbike accident and is

5 The Mission Rabies team leaders; Frank, Rajesh and Natarajan are continuing to attend WVS Hicks ITC one day per week to enhance their skills and knowledge as veterinary technicians. They assist with all aspects of the work and rotate weekly between surgery, kennels and clinic (Figure 10). Figure 10. Mission Rabies team leader - Rajesh, at WVS Hicks ITC monitoring a dog under anaesthesia Other News Frank recently had a motorbike accident and is recuperating at home. His presence in the team is deeply missed and everyone at Mission Rabies wishes him a swift recovery (Figure 11). Figure 11. Get well soon wishes from the team 5

6 Catch of the Month! Under the Mission Rabies vaccination protocol the teams are prohibited from catching dogs in certain areas including on rooftops. However, the catching nets are not always needed as Dr Manthana clearly demonstrates (Figure 12). Figure 11. Hand-catching a semi-owned dog 6

The following catches also deserve a mention five dogs

(Figure 13) and Natarajan (Senior Team Leader) mastering

Mission Rabies team displaying their exceptional

7 The following catches also deserve a mention five dogs caught at the same time (Figure 12), two dogs in one net (Figure 13) and Natarajan (Senior Team Leader) mastering the art of dog catching (Figure 14). Figure 12. Mission Rabies team displaying their exceptional dog-catching skills Figure 13. Two dogs one net! Figure 14. Natarajan learning new skills 7

8 Mission Rabies Goa Overall Project Summary Year Vaccination Total , , , , to date 29,996 Grand Total 168,044 8

Ponda Taluka Total Vaccinations = 8,484 (April July 2017)

Ponda Taluka Total Vaccinations = 8,484 (April July 2017) Mission Rabies Goa Monthly Report July 2017 Vaccination Total number of dogs vaccinated in July 2017 = 5,012 (plus 2 cats) During July 2017, the monsoon rains continued but this did not deter the vaccination