Shuhama, Sep 28: The Division of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry (FVSc & AH), SKUAST-K, organised a symposium-cum-panel discussion on the implementation status of the National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (NAPRE) in Jammu & Kashmir to mark World Rabies Day 2026.

Held under the One Health framework on the global theme “Stronger Together”, the programme brought together experts from veterinary and public health, healthcare, wildlife, education and allied sectors to discuss coordinated strategies for rabies prevention and elimination in the Union Territory.
Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, was the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she stressed the importance of immediate action following dog bites or suspected rabies exposure, including thorough wound washing and timely medical attention. She cautioned against relying on traditional remedies or waiting for symptoms to appear.
Prof. Riyaz Ahmad Shah, Dean, FVSc & AH, emphasised that rabies prevention requires coordinated action across human and animal health sectors. He highlighted the Faculty’s work in diagnostics, awareness, vaccination, responsible dog population management and research.
Prof. Syed Akram Hussain, Head, Division of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, welcomed the participants, while Dr. Shabu Shoukat, Assistant Professor, coordinated the symposium.
Dr. Suhail Manzoor, Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi, delivered the keynote address, focusing on surveillance, integrated reporting, vaccination and multisectoral coordination towards India’s goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies.
The main session was a panel discussion on the implementation of NAPRE in J&K, moderated by Dr. Mudasir Ali, Associate Professor, Division of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology. Dr. Najimaana Wani, Assistant Professor, served as rapporteur.
The panel comprised Prof. Mohammad Salim Khan, Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar; Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Joint Director, Sheep Husbandry Department; Dr. Ashraf, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry Department; Dr. Saba Wani, Deputy Director, Schemes, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir; Prof. Javed Ahmad, Additional Professor, Department of Community Medicine, SKIMS; Dr. Suhail Manzoor, EIS Officer, NCDC; Prof. Sabia Qureshi, Professor, Veterinary Microbiology & Immunology; Prof. Amatual Muhee, Professor & Head, Veterinary Clinical Complex; and Mr. Mohiuddin Sahib, Chief Education Officer, Srinagar.
The discussion focused on strengthening rabies surveillance and reporting, interdepartmental coordination, mass awareness, vaccination, capacity building and responsible dog population management.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Mudasir Ali.