Lack of awareness on vaccination leads to canine deaths: Experts

Though the actual data on the cause of death is not available, more than half of canine deaths are believed to be caused by diseases that could be prevented by vaccination, said a senior doctor from the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS). “There is no exact data, as the cause of deaths is not necessarily registered. However, we continue to see hundreds of cases of dogs and puppies being brought in for treatment due to the infectious disease,” he said.

Canine parvo virus is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs, while canine distemper is found to be the second deadliest disease. “It is the responsibility of the Greater Chennai Corporation to manage the community dogs. They should hold mass vaccination camps. Besides, the existing dog pounds and Animal Birth Control shelters are not running adequately,” said Arun Prasanna, founder, People for Cattle in India.

“The condition of the shelter is so poor that a healthy dog can develop health issues after going there. The Corporation should take full responsibility of all community dogs. However, instead of planning well and picking up dogs street by street to sterilise and return them, the staff merely wait for a complaint,” said Prasanna.

There are many adopted dogs that suffer from the same plight due to the lack of awareness among their owners. “Shelters, veterinary hospitals and pedigree shops should put up posters and banners on the importance of vaccination, and stress on the kinds of diseases the animals can develop if not vaccinated,” said Dr Pandian K, a veterinary doctor.