Imphal, April 04 2025: Churachandpur district magistrate has declared New Zoveng village a containment zone following multiple confirmed and suspected cases of rabies, posing a serious threat to public health.

In an order dated April 4, district magistrate Dharun Kumar invoked the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, to impose immediate restrictions in the area until further notice.

As per the order, movement of domesticated pets and dogs in and out of the village is strictly prohibited.

All pets and stray dogs will be identified and vaccinated under the supervision of the district veterinary department, which will also conduct surveillance, door-to-door monitoring, and health check-ups in coordination with the chief medical officer.

The sale and transport of domestic animals, particularly dogs, have been banned during the containment period.

A Control Room will be set up by the District Veterinary Department to coordinate the response and address public concerns.

The order mandates strict enforcement by the police and veterinary officials, warning that violators will face penal action under Section 292 and 293 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other relevant laws.

The containment measures will remain in force until further assessment of the situation.

Friday's order was preceded by a similar directive issued Thursday in response to a surge in rabies-related cases across the district, including fatalities.

In the directive, the DM warned that without immediate action, the situation could escalate into an epidemic.

Citing Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the order mandates the capture and vaccination or humane removal of stray dogs.

Dog owners in Churachandpur district must ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies, with non-compliance attracting penalties.

Quick Response Teams (QRTs) will be mobilised for mass vaccination campaigns.

The order also emphasised public awareness on rabies prevention, urging individuals bitten by animals to seek immediate medical attention at government hospitals or health centres, where vaccines will be administered free of charge.

Hospitals must report such cases to the district surveillance officer and district rabies control task force within 24 hours.

To curb the spread, the movement of unvaccinated dogs is restricted, and public gatherings involving animals in affected areas are postponed or cancelled until further notice.

Violations of these measures, including failure to vaccinate pets or illegal animal trafficking, will result in legal action under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, and relevant laws.

Authorities have called for public cooperation in implementing these measures and urged residents to report suspected rabies cases and animal bites promptly.