This year Canine Life Support and Vets for Future held a World Rabies Day program in Embilipitya, Sri Lanka. The program was coordinated by our two senior Veterinary Surgeons, dr. Ranil and dr. Chamith who arranged the team and all the activities. There are a few reasons why we chose Embilipitiya for this year’s program:
- High stray dog population
- Low educational level
- High number of reported stray dog bites
The day started early. At 07:00 the team went to the Embilipitiya President’s College. The first activity of the day was announcing the winner of the art competition, which was an initiative of the Public Health Inspector (PHI). The lucky winner of the competition was a student from the Embilipitiya Educational Zone. Her drawing was chosen from the many entries and she received the prize.
After the prize ceremony, dr. Chamith gave a presentation about rabies and one of our team members distributed the leaflets.
At the same time of the presentation, other members of our team went out into the town and conducted an announcement program. Driving around with the three wheel while a professional announcer gave information about rabies. There were many people in the town, so the program was very succesful.
When the program at the school was finished, it was time for the team to eat lunch at our favorite place in Embilipitiya. After everyone finished eating, the whole team (Dr. Ranil, Dr. Chamith, Mr. Bandara (the rabies PHI) and our assistants) started the Welfare Camp. During a Welfare Camp we prepare food for stray animals and the Veterinary Surgeons perform minor procedures and vaccinations and we educate the public about rabies, dogbite prevention and responsible pet ownership.
The team was delighted to discover that many people were aware of World Rabies Day. While the team was handing out leaflets and feeding the strays, the professional announcer was also there to give information about rabies.
I want to thank the entire team and Mr. Bandara for a very succesful World Rabies Day Program. You are all fantastic!
Advertisement
