240 health inspectors, 700 volunteers deployed for dengue control
Speaking after launching the 'Check, Clean, Cover' campaign to mark National Dengue Day, in collaboration with the BBMP, he noted that nearly 50% of Karnataka's dengue cases are being reported from Bengaluru, and urged residents to take precautions.
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Canine distemper outbreak worsens in Bengaluru as animal crematorium remains closed
Bengaluru: BBMP is under increasing pressure for its failure to control a deadly outbreak of canine distemper (CD) among stray dogs, coupled with the prolonged closure of the city's only dedicated animal electric crematorium in Sumanahalli. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The twin crisis has left hundreds of stray animals vulnerable, untreated, and without a dignified way of passing. In recent weeks, veterinary workers and animal welfare volunteers have reported a surge in canine distemper infections, especially among stray dogs. Caused by a virus, CD affects respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of dogs. It can spread rapidly in unvaccinated animals, and in many cases, lead to death. The virus, however, doesn't affect humans. Without a dedicated treatment centre under BBMP's care, NGOs and rescue groups have been left to handle the outbreak, with limited resources and space. They describe this as one of the deadliest outbreaks seen in recent years. Kruthika, an animal activist, told TOI, "We're seeing multiple new cases every day. There's no proper infrastructure to isolate or care for these infected dogs. Many are dying on the streets without any humane support. " Adding to the problem is the closure of Sumanahalli crematorium for emergency maintenance. BBMP chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao acknowledged the severity of the issue in a statement to TOI, and promised: "The matter will be addressed immediately. We'll arrange an alternative." Keerthan from Charlie's Care NGO shared, "After the outbreak, we are doing our best to treat sick dogs, but many are dying. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Without the crematorium, we're forced to store bodies in freezers. It's heartbreaking." Suralkar Vikas Kishore, special commissioner, animal husbandry, BBMP, confirmed that steps are being taken to fight the outbreak. "We've launched vaccination drives to prevent further spread. We've approved an action plan to open animal clinics in every ward soon. As for the crematorium, it has a serious technical fault. We are calling for an emergency tender to fix it soon." With the crematorium closed, some private individuals have started offering animal cremation services, often at high costs. Nandish, a pet owner, said: "Many dogs died in our neighbourhood, and we had to use private crematoriums that charged exorbitant fees. BBMP has failed to provide even this basic dignity to dead animals. It's a clear administrative failure." Dr Rekha Rao, a local veterinarian said, "We need the govt to step in with temporary treatment centres, mobile clinics, and guidelines for handling deceased animals."
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka reports fourth Covid-related death: 63-year-old man with multiple health issues succumbs in Bengaluru
Karnataka has recorded its fourth Covid-related fatality, with the latest death reported from Bengaluru Urban district. A 63-year-old man with multiple co-morbid conditions passed away at a private hospital on May 29, health officials said on Saturday. Also Read - Karnataka reports third Covid-19 fatality amid rise in cases The patient, who was undergoing post-operative chemotherapy and was fully vaccinated against Covid-19, had been admitted to a hospital within the limits of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on May 21 after complaining of weakness. Despite medical intervention, his condition deteriorated, leading to his demise eight days later. According to a statement from the state health department, the man suffered from advanced cancer — squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa — and was also diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. His death was attributed to sagittal sinus and internal jugular vein thrombosis, cancer cachexia, and an incidental Covid-positive status. This marks the fourth Covid-linked fatality in the state this month. Earlier, two other Covid-positive deaths were reported from Mysuru, both involving 63-year-old men. The first occurred on May 2 at a private hospital, and the second on May 25. The latter patient had been admitted on May 15 and died after a 10-day battle. According to the health bulletin, he suffered from chronic kidney disease and bronchiectasis and eventually succumbed to complications including septic shock, multi-organ dysfunction, acute kidney injury, reduced urine output, Covid-induced pneumonia with ARDS, and low sodium levels. Also Read - 67 dead as record-breaking rainfall batters Karnataka, over 19 lakh at risk: Report The Covid-19 situation in Karnataka remains under close observation. As of May 31, the state reported 238 active Covid cases. On Saturday alone, 58 new cases were recorded from 420 tests conducted — 354 RT-PCR and 66 rapid antigen tests. The daily positivity rate stood at 13.8%, while the case fatality rate was pegged at 1.7%.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Change in BBMP's ABC protocol sparks scepticism
Animal welfare Animal Birth Control Priya Chetty-Rajagopal Harini Raghavan All these risks are eliminated in the case of one dedicated centre with separate staff and vets coordinating with citizens and animal welfare groups to pick up and drop off CD-infected dogs – Harini Raghavan, Citizens for Animal Birth Control workers in the city have raised concern over a recent circular from the Animal Husbandry Department of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).As per the circular, dated May 6, BBMP has revised its(ABC) surgery protocol for dogs that have recovered from canine distemper (CD). Instead of conducting surgeries at a dedicated facility, these procedures will be taking place at ABC centres across different zones. Although the circular underlines that the surgery room will be disinfected and fumigated before bringing in healthy dogs, the activists remain sceptical about the lack of a separate CJ Memorial Trust, who is a city-based animal welfare worker, said that some of the BBMP's ABC centres are in poor condition, with some even lacking basic facilities like tap water. 'Disinfecting areas that have earlier housed CD dogs is a meticulous process, and the ABC centres are not equipped to handle it,' she underlined that the ABC centres, despite all precautions, contribute to multiple CD cases across the city. It is believed that given the situation, operating CD-recovered dogs in ABC centres is a matter of Citizens for Animal Birth Control, noted that a solution is to isolate the dogs in the centre and disinfect the space before bringing in healthy dogs.'However, the catchers, nets used to trap the dogs, vans used to transport them, and veterinarians handling both healthy and CD-recovered dogs will be the same,' she highlighted, stating that additionally pinpointing carriers will be difficult unless the centres have a strong protocol in place with inputs from medical experts in the city. 'All these risks are eliminated in the case of one dedicated centre with separate staff and vets coordinating with citizens and animal welfare groups to pick up and drop off CD-infected dogs,' said has an ABC centre dedicated to CD-infected dogs in Sumanahalli, RR Nagar, which is operational and run by an NGO along with BBMP's ABC partner, COVA. Experts said that creating the centre was a move in the right direction, and the effort needs to be stepped up. However, officials from the Animal Husbandry Department said that the centre in RR Nagar is a failed experiment. With a capacity to accommodate seven to eight dogs, the centre will now be catering to CD-infected dogs only from RR Nagar and Dasarahalli.'We tried to use the centre to conduct ABC surgeries of CD-infected dogs for three months. However, it did not work out. The centre will now be used for ABC surgeries of CD dogs from RR Nagar and Dasarahalli zones,' said an official from the Animal Husbandry department. The official highlighted that for the rest of the zones, ABC centres will be used for surgeries on CD-infected dogs three months after they have recovered from the infection. 'We have started doing combined vaccination. Moreover, after three months, shedding of the virus is minimal. The centre has limited capacity and cannot cater to cases from across the city,' said the official.
