Is Chennai Corporation Launching a Mass Vaccination Drive for Stray Dogs Starting July?
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Synopsis
Get ready, Chennai! The Greater Chennai Corporation is launching an extensive vaccination campaign for stray dogs this July, aiming to protect them from five major diseases. Discover how this initiative is set to change the fate of the city's stray canine population.
Key Takeaways
- The Greater Chennai Corporation is launching a mass vaccination campaign for stray dogs.
- The drive will protect against five major diseases.
- Vaccinations will occur alongside annual rabies shots.
- Public cooperation is crucial for the success of the program.
- New ABC centers will facilitate the vaccination process.
Chennai, May 12 (NationPress) The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is gearing up to initiate a wide-ranging mass vaccination campaign for stray dogs throughout the city, commencing in July, as confirmed by officials.
This ambitious drive aims to vaccinate approximately 1.8 lakh stray dogs and will extend beyond standard anti-rabies immunization to provide protection against four additional significant diseases -- canine distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and leptospirosis.
The GCC Commissioner, J. Kumaragurubaran, has announced that the civic body is currently anticipating the arrival of 20,000 doses of a five-in-one vaccine sourced from the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation. Each dose, priced at around Rs 200, is designed to guard against all five diseases.
“This is the second occasion we are administering non-rabies vaccines to stray dogs in Chennai,” stated Kamal Hussain, GCC’s veterinary officer.
He emphasized that the vaccination efforts will be conducted in conjunction with annual rabies vaccinations and sterilization procedures, creating a holistic healthcare approach for the city’s stray dog population.
Veterinarians caution that infections like parvovirus and canine distemper are widespread and potentially fatal among strays. “If left untreated, these diseases can have a mortality rate as high as 90 percent,” asserted Dr. R. Thangarajan, a veterinary expert.
“Initiating vaccinations early is essential to avert widespread fatalities, particularly in urban areas with high stray populations.”
To support the enhanced vaccination initiative, the GCC has bolstered its infrastructure by establishing two new Animal Birth Control (ABC) centers -- one located at Kallikuppam in Ambattur and the other at the Otteri burial ground in Kodambakkam. These centers will not only facilitate sterilization but will also function as locations for delivering the multi-disease vaccine.
This initiative by the civic body is part of a broader animal welfare and public health strategy, aimed at mitigating disease transmission risks and ensuring humane management of the stray dog population.
Officials are encouraging the public to collaborate with field teams during the vaccination campaign and to report sightings of unvaccinated or ailing stray animals to the GCC helpline. The program is projected to unfold in phases across all 15 zones of the city.
Point of View
I believe this vaccination drive reflects the GCC's commitment to animal welfare and public health. By addressing the health of stray dogs, the initiative not only safeguards these animals but also reduces the risk of disease transmission within our communities.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What diseases will the stray dogs be vaccinated against?
The stray dogs will be vaccinated against five diseases: rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and leptospirosis.
When does the vaccination drive start?
The mass vaccination drive is set to commence in July.
How can the public assist during the vaccination drive?
Officials encourage the public to cooperate with vaccination teams and report any sightings of unvaccinated or sick stray animals to the GCC helpline.
How many stray dogs are estimated to be vaccinated?
The campaign aims to vaccinate approximately 1.8 lakh stray dogs across the city.
Where will the vaccinations be administered?
Vaccinations will be administered at two new Animal Birth Control (ABC) centers in Kallikuppam and Kodambakkam.
