A severe rabies outbreak has gripped Manipur’s Churachandpur district, claiming three lives and leaving hundreds at risk. Authorities have declared New Zoveng village a containment zone, enforcing restrictions and launching emergency vaccination drives.
Since January, at least 749 people have suffered dog bites, with multiple confirmed and suspected rabies cases reported, especially from New Zoveng. A house-to-house survey by Quick Response Teams of the Veterinary Department covered 30 households, vaccinating all pet dogs and issuing certificates.
District Magistrate Dharun Kumar has banned the movement of dogs in and out of the village. He also ordered the identification and vaccination of all stray and pet dogs. Sale and transport of dogs are prohibited during the containment period, with violators facing legal action.
Meanwhile, another rabies-related death was reported from Mongken village in Henglep subdivision, where a young girl succumbed to the virus. District Veterinary Officer Dr Veithienneng noted that a shortage of anti-rabies vaccines is a major obstacle in curbing the spread. Door-to-door health checks and heightened surveillance are now underway as the district administration tries to prevent further casualties and contain the disease.