Thiruvananthapuram: The City Corporation is embarking on a health certification programme for pet dogs following the detection of several cases of leptospirosis and diabetes among domesticated canines.

Veterinary doctors have reported a number of cases of leptospirosis among exotic and local breeds of pet dogs in the recent months. Says veterinary surgeon N. Ravikumar: "In most cases, the symptoms were jaundice and posterior paralysis. Blood tests revealed that the animals were infected with the leptospira organism, probably contracted from rodents. Local breeds may be immune to the disease but they are still capable of harbouring the organism as carriers and transmitting it to humans. A regular health check-up would help minimise the risk to humans and animals."

Dr. Ravikumar said vets had also come across a number of diabetic cases among pet dogs.

The proposed health certification programme is part of an Integrated Rabies Control Project to be launched by the City Corporation on July 6, the World Zoonoses Day. The integrated project also includes revival of the Animal Birth Control Programme for sterilisation of stray dogs. A two-week intensive campaign will be taken up in the first phase, during which, brochures would be distributed to all households. Awareness camps would also be organised for residents' associations at the vet hospitals. This would be followed by a week-long vaccination programme.

Under the health certification programme, pet dogs would be vaccinated and issued a licence. A stainless steel token displaying the permit number and the Corporation emblem would be issued to the owners of the certified animals. A health card-cum-fitness certificate will also be issued.

The health card issued for each animal will contain the name and address of the owner and the age, name, breed, colour and distinguishing marks of the animal. It will also contain the vaccination details. While immunisation against rabies would be made mandatory, vaccination for canine distemper and leptospirosis would be optional.

The health certification service will cost Rs.50 per dog, with a subsidy of 50 per cent for pet owners below the poverty line. As a follow-up activity, the Corporation will also organise a `Healthy Puppy Day,' once every six months to provide free health check-up at the 10 civic vet hospitals. The local body is working out an agreement with the Chief Disease Investigation Office under the Animal Husbandry Department to deploy their mobile unit at each of the hospitals in turn to carry out blood tests.

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