An online session to create awareness about safe behaviour around animals and to highlight the importance of timely and appropriate first aid following dog bites was held on 21 December 2025 at 4:30 PM via Google Meet. The programme was attended by students and staff of Jagannath Barooah University, Jorhat.

The session was organized by Nilave Bhuyan, Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, on behalf of Dr. Utpal Jyoti Mahanta, Registrar of the University and Nodal Officer for the programme. The event was conducted in compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, as communicated by the Director of Higher Education, Government of Assam.

Welcoming the participants, Mr. Bhuyan introduced the resource person, Dr. Anuja Baruah, Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Jorhat Medical College and Hospital.

Dr. Anuja Baruah began her talk by discussing general safety measures, preventive awareness, and actions to be taken when an animal attack appears imminent. She emphasized the seriousness of rabies and the importance of immediate medical intervention.

The interactive question-and-answer session was moderated by Dr. Luk Bahadur Chetry, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Jagannath Barooah University, Jorhat.

During the session, Ms. Mousona Baruah, an undergraduate student from the Department of English, expressed concern over the continued reliance of villagers on local healers due to a lack of awareness. She also pointed out instances of non-compliance with the prescribed vaccination schedule. Responding to the query, Dr. Baruah stated that there is no substitute for completing all five doses of the same modern rabies vaccine strictly in accordance with the recommended schedule. She further informed that awareness programmes have been conducted in certain villages; however, there remains a need to organize additional programmes to enhance public awareness.

Dr. Dhiramani Bhuyan, Head, Department of Zoology, questioned whether bites from vaccinated dogs pose a risk. Dr. Baruah explained that even vaccinated dogs can potentially transmit rabies.

The Registrar also inquired about the risk posed by isolated, home-cared dogs, to which Dr. Baruah replied that interaction with other pets in the house, such as cats, could still lead to transmission.

Summarizing her key message, Dr. Baruah stated that rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, and stressed the importance of avoiding unknown animals, keeping pets vaccinated, and opting for overtreatment rather than undertreatment in cases of animal bites.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Surajit Sharma, Academic Registrar of the University.

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