Margao : The state recorded as many as 360 cases of zoonotic diseases between 2022 and 2024, according to information provided in the ongoing assembly session.
Zoonotic diseases are infections that are spread between people and animals after a bite or a contact and include rabies, bird flu, leptospirosis and Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD).
In response to a question tabled by Leader of Opposition and Congress MLA Yuri Alemao, the Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Nilkanth Halarnkar said that, this year, there were 31 cases of leptospirosis, 10 cases of bird flu and 15 cases of KFD.
Last year, there was one case of rabies, 25 cases of bird flu, 80 cases of leptospirosis and five cases of KFD. In 2022, the rabies and KFD cases stood at nil, while there were 167 cases of bird flu and 26 cases of leptospirosis.
To a question about the animals and birds that died due to viral diseases between 2022 and June 2024, the minister said there were a total of 825 cases that were classified under diseases like rabies, swine fever, Marek’s disease mixed with avian sarcoma leukosis virus and African swine fever.
It was also informed that the department has taken up vaccinations against contagious diseases from 2022 till date. These include 14,986 vaccinations this year, 2,07,071 vaccinations last year along with 49,672 anti-rabies vaccinations for stray dogs by Mission Rabies and 45,872 vaccinations for the year 2022-23, plus 56,337 anti-rabies vaccinations for stray dogs by Mission Rabies.
Under Mission Rabies, expenditure of Rs 48.80 lakh was incurred last year and Rs 89.65 lakh for the year 2022-23, said the minister.
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
