The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has reinstated its Animal Birth Control (ABC) program in the RR Nagar Zone, now featuring a dedicated facility for the treatment and surgery of community dogs recovering from Canine Distemper (CD). Suralkar Vikas Kishor, Special Commissioner of BBMP Health, Animal Husbandry and Welfare Department, announced that for the first time, dogs recovering from CD can undergo surgical procedures at the ABC centers.
Canine Distemper significantly affects dogs’ health, leading to gastrointestinal issues, respiratory infections, and nervous system failures, and can spread to other community dogs at the facility. Animal rights activist Sunatha Prasanna welcomed this initiative, emphasizing that while CD can be fatal, survivors require long-term care. She noted that full recovery from the disease can take up to six months and highlighted the importance of managing female dogs to prevent transmission of the virus to their puppies.
Prasanna urged the BBMP to implement the ‘Core Vaccines (DHPPL) along with ARV’ project to combat lethal diseases like Canine Distemper and Parvo in community dogs. The BBMP’s facility can operate on three dogs daily and accommodate up to 15 dogs during their recovery.
Dr. Venkatesh KM, a senior veterinarian with BBMP, reported that five dogs suspected of having CD were housed at the facility in the past week, with four having undergone surgery, while one awaits treatment following recovery.
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