LEH: Thirty-seven stray dogs were sterilised and vaccinated against rabies during a six-day veterinary training programme conducted by the Animal Husbandry Department, Leh, in collaboration with the World Veterinary Services (WVS) Taskforce, as part of efforts to strengthen veterinary services and support animal birth control and anti-rabies measures in the district.
The training programme was held from September 21 to 26 at the ABC Clinic, Changspa, for veterinary personnel of the department, with a focus on strengthening field capacity in small-animal clinical work.
Four departmental veterinarians received hands-on training in surgical skills, while two paravets were trained in veterinary assistant skills. Three other departmental veterinarians participated as volunteers and supported the practical sessions.
The six-day programme combined classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice at the Changspa facility. The collaboration with the WVS Taskforce was aimed at familiarising departmental personnel with current protocols and practices in anaesthesia, surgical care, patient handling and veterinary assistance.
Besides the sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination of 37 stray dogs, three cats were also sterilised during the programme. A femoral disarticulation surgery was also performed on one dog.
The practical component of the training provided departmental personnel with an opportunity to apply surgical and clinical procedures under supervision while working with small animals.
According to the department, the programme was aimed at updating the skills of veterinary staff and strengthening their ability to provide routine livestock and stray-animal services across Leh district.
The training forms part of the Animal Husbandry Department’s efforts to enhance clinical competence among its personnel and strengthen the implementation of animal birth control and anti-rabies programmes in Leh.
