Tag: Dog Vaccination

Human Interest

Goa Issues Advisory as Canine Distemper Cases Rise: Pet Owners Urged to Vaccinate and Stay Alert

Tanisha Cardozo

The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS), Goa, has issued an official advisory following the detection of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) cases in parts of the state. The department has urged all pet owners to take preventive measures, including timely vaccination and avoiding exposure to stray or sick animals.

Canine Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs and can lead to severe illness or death, especially in unvaccinated animals. The disease targets multiple organs and systems, including the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fever, coughing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. In advanced cases, it can cause muscle twitching, seizures, paralysis, and even hardening of paw pads.

The virus spreads through airborne droplets, direct contact with infected dogs, or contaminated objects like bowls, bedding, and toys. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk of infection.

Although there is no specific cure for Canine Distemper, early veterinary intervention can help manage symptoms and improve recovery chances. The AHVS emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure and should be part of every dog’s routine care.

Officials have also reassured the public that Canine Distemper cannot be transmitted to humans. The virus spreads exclusively among dogs through respiratory droplets, saliva, and contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals.

The AHVS urges all dog owners to remain vigilant, ensure regular vaccination schedules, and maintain clean, stress-free environments for their pets to minimize risk.

As Goa continues to see isolated cases, authorities are monitoring the situation closely and encouraging residents to report suspected cases to nearby veterinary clinics or the AHVS offices for timely action.

Social

Goa Animal Federation Demands Immediate Mass Sterilization of Community Dogs Following Supreme Court Relief

Tanisha Cardozo

On a warm Sunday afternoon at Azad Maidan, Panaji, a large crowd of dog lovers, activists, and concerned citizens gathered under the banner of the Goa Animal Federation (GAF) in a unified show of support for humane community dog management. The event, which served both as a protest and a thanksgiving to the Supreme Court of India, was attended by several hundred animal lovers, all echoing one central demand: mass sterilization and vaccination of community dogs must begin immediately across Goa.

Prominent voices in Goa’s animal welfare movement—including Advocate Norma Alvarez, singer Hema Sardesai, K.D. Row, Prakash Kamat, Dexter Braganza, and Fidoli Pereira—were present, alongside GAF members and NGO representatives. They extended heartfelt gratitude to the Supreme Court for its recent revised order, which offers a humane, scientific, and sustainable framework to address the stray dog issue across India.

According to GAF, Goa currently has a sterilization capacity of 15,000 dogs per year, a number maintained largely by private NGOs. However, to effectively manage the stray dog population, Goa must reach a target of 50,000 dogs sterilized annually. Only then can the state hope to reach an 80–90% sterilization rate within the next three years, which would naturally reduce the population over the next 5–6 years due to the dogs’ life cycle.

“This is a public safety, animal welfare, and community health issue. Without aggressive government intervention, we’re delaying the solution,” said a GAF spokesperson.

Beyond sterilization, the GAF has also called on the government to:

  • Install at least two animal body incinerators in Goa for safe and hygienic disposal
  • Fulfill its long-standing promise of a 24×7 ambulance and veterinary clinic for stray animals

These facilities, they argue, are essential for upholding humane standards while addressing public health concerns and ensuring dignity for animals—even in death.

The Goa Animal Federation, which includes major animal welfare organizations across the state, reiterated its commitment to a lawful, scientific, and compassionate approach in line with the Supreme Court’s directives.

Their goal is clear: ensure Goa sets an example for the rest of the country in resolving the stray dog issue not through violence or fear, but through compassion, planning, and responsibility.

“Dog lovers aren’t just emotional people—they are citizens fighting for a sustainable, safe, and humane solution,” the press release concluded.