World Rabies Day 2025 Observed

Aizawl, Sept 2025: The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary (AH&Vety.) Department, Mizoram State Veterinary Council (MSVC), and the Indian Veterinary Association (IVA), Mizoram jointly organised the observance of World Rabies Day 2025 across Mizoram today.

At the State Veterinary Polyclinic Hospital, Khatla, Aizawl, Dr. M. Zohmingthangi, Addl. Director (VS&PH), AH&Vety. Department, presided over the programme, with MSVC President Dr. Lalremliana highlighting that rabies is a deadly disease that can be prevented only through timely vaccination. He stressed that although rabies is now rare in Mizoram, it continues to claim many lives in Asia and Africa, primarily due to dog bites. He further noted that a few cases of suspected rabies still surface every year.

Dr. Lalremliana emphasized the importance of vaccination and regular veterinary health camps, stating that Mizoram’s consistent vaccination drives have greatly reduced the threat of rabies. Referring to this year’s theme, “Act Now: Me, You, Community”, he said that collective responsibility without delay is crucial to completely eliminate rabies.

At another programme at the Animal Feed Plant, Ramrikawn, IVA Mizoram President Dr. Robert Rualthankhuma said India aims to achieve zero human deaths due to rabies by 2030. He stressed that along with vaccinating dogs, those bitten must also receive post-exposure vaccines immediately.

As part of World Rabies Day, anti-rabies vaccination camps were conducted at three key locations in Aizawl — State Veterinary Polyclinic Hospital, Khatla; Zemabawk North YMA Hall; and the Animal Feed Plant, Ramrikawn — as well as at all District Veterinary Hospitals across Mizoram. Around 2,600 dogs were vaccinated against rabies during today’s campaign. In addition, experts held a lively panel discussion on rabies awareness on local television.

World Rabies Day is observed annually on September 28 in memory of Louis Pasteur, the scientist who developed the first rabies vaccine. However, since this year the date falls on a Sunday, Mizoram observed it today, September 27, 2025.