Goa’s rabies control model draws interest from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat

Goa‘s successful rabies control model is drawing interest from Tamil Nadu and Gujarat as a potential strategy against stray dogs and community dogs getting infected, following discussions held with Mission Rabies–Worldwide Veterinary Service. Murugan Appupillai, the India director for Mission Rabies–Worldwide Veterinary Service, stated that Tamil Nadu officials preferred a statewide implementation rather than a four-district pilot. The Tamil Nadu government invited the organisation to Chennai for meetings with senior officials. The delegation also visited Surat to discuss adopting the framework with Gujarat leaders. Goa achieved its rabies-controlled status through mass canine vaccination, sterilisation, surveillance, and inter-departmental coordination, supporting the National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030. Unvaccinated dogs migrating from neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka borders remain a risk factor. Further meetings and final approvals from the organisation’s leadership are awaited to determine implementation frameworks and technical responsibilities.