A satellite laboratory of the KVAFSU-CVA Rabies Diagnostic Laboratory established at Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Bangalore was inaugurated on 24 June 2024 at the Veterinary College Hassan. The laboratory is a joint venture of the Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar (KVAFSU), the Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA) and the KVAFSU-CVA Rabies Diagnostic Laboratory, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bangalore.
Delivering the inaugural speech, Prof. K. C. Veeranna, emphasized need for the global control of rabies, that has emerged as a dreaded zoonotic infection of humans as well as animals, particularly dogs. As the diagnosis of rabies infection plays a pivotal role in its containment, stakeholders such as the public, animal keepers, and farmers must be aware of the infection, its prophylaxis and the diagnostic facilities available in the near vicinity. Prof Veerana appreciated rabies management activities undertaken at the global level by the quadripartite (FAO, WHO, WOAH and UNEP) partnerships and other organizations.
Executive Director of the CVA and former Chairman of OIE-Animal Welfare working group Dr S. Abdul Rahman highlighted the need for the control of rabies in animals so as to curtail its spread to humans; he also stressed the need for the animal welfare; and that veterinarians play a crucial role in the effective control rabies and prevent its human transmissions.
Regional Coordinator of CVA-Asia and former member of the Board of Management KVAFSU, Dr S. Yathiraj, lauded the role of CVA and Netherland’s Crucell that paved ways to establish a state-of-the-art rabies diagnostic laboratory at the Veterinary College Bengaluru in the year 2013. Its recognition as a WOAH reference laboratory has heightened the reputation of the university not only at national but also at international levels. He expressed, the satellite laboratory in due course of time would emerge as an epicentre for rabies control activities under the one health umbrella in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Shri. Saurabh Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Hassan Division in his address stated, rabies as a deadly zoonotic infection that could also affect wild animals The forest department would be benefitted by the new satellite laboratory located at Hassan. DrShivaswamy B.N., District Health and Family Welfare Officer, Hassan highlighted zoonotic potential of rabies and extension of all possible cooperation from the health department in the effective management of rabies in the region under One Health. Dr Shrikrishna Isloor, Laboratory Director KVAFSU-CVA Rabies diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary College, Bengaluru in his opening remarks showcased the global magnitude of rabies and the need for timely diagnosis to curtail the infection.
The Dean of the Veterinary College, Hassan Dr M.C. Shivakumar who presided over the program appreciated the university and CVA for the establishment of the satellite KVAFSU-CVA laboratory at Hassan. He appealed for stakeholders to make the best use of this laboratory for the control of rabies. Dr Nagappa Karabasanavar, Coordinator of the Satellite laboratory welcomed the guests and dignitaries. Dr Anjan Kumar proposed a vote of thanks and Dr Girish B.C. and Dr Vidya performed as master of ceremony. Sri Arakalagudu Madhusudan of AIR, Hassan witnessed the programme. As many as 300 participants including veterinary officers from Hassan and Chikkamagalur districts, veterinary undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as teaching and non-teaching staff participated the technical workshop entitled “One health initiative for rabies control – Inter-sectoral coordination”.
