The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation has launched an ambitious anti-rabies vaccination campaign targeting the city’s stray dog population. Beginning on April 17, this drive aims to vaccinate around 1,10,000 stray dogs over the next ten months. The initiative, backed by a ₹50 lakh budget and supported by mobile veterinary units, signals a major move in public health protection.
Mobile Units and Strategic Roll‑Out
Each mobile van, staffed with veterinarians, catchers, and assistants, vaccinates up to 200 dogs daily. Starting in Ward 66 (Race Course area), marked with durable color tags to indicate vaccination, teams are working methodically across ten wards in the Central Zone before expanding further.
Earlier Achievements Propel the Mission
So far, the drive has already vaccinated approximately 6,000 stray dogs—with plans accelerating in progress.The total estimated cost for this initial leg of the campaign stands at ₹75 lakh, reflecting the corporation’s resolute investment in eradicating rabies risk in public spaces.
Why This Coimbatore Drive Matters?
Rabies remains a pressing public health threat in India, with dogs accounting for nearly all human cases. Without mass vaccination and community education, outbreaks risk lives. Coimbatore’s phased approach—blending sterilization efforts, pet owner outreach, and systematic ward coverage—marks a significant step toward controlling rabies .
Repeated acceleration in vaccination targets aims to build herd immunity among stray dogs, defending against disease transmission. Color-coded marking ensures no dog is overlooked, while public campaigns encourage pet owners to vaccinate their pets too.
By embracing proactive prevention, efficient logistics, and visible transparency, Coimbatore is setting an example for urban rabies control across India. Ongoing monitoring and vaccination of successive wards will determine the campaign’s long-term success.
