– A free animal sterilization and rabies vaccination program conducted across Mannar Island from May 12 to May 24 has provided veterinary care to hundreds of animals under ongoing efforts to reduce rabies risk and improve animal welfare in the district.

Carried out under the Mannar Island Rabies Eradication Project, the initiative recorded 734 sterilizations and 985 anti-rabies vaccinations for both community and owned animals. Veterinary teams also carried out 67 tumour-related treatments, 205 skin disease treatments, 11 special surgeries, and 93 additional medical treatments during the two-week campaign.Public health experts say such programmes are crucial in controlling free-roaming dog populations and preventing dog-mediated rabies, with sterilization and vaccination considered key long-term strategies for humane population management.

Veterinary services were provided by Vets For Future, which has been involved in large-scale sterilization and rabies vaccination programmes in Sri Lanka for more than two decades, supplying technical expertise for surgeries, vaccinations, and treatments.

The programme was conducted under the supervision of the District Veterinary Surgeon’s Office of the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), ensuring compliance with national veterinary standards and animal welfare guidelines.

Operational and logistical support was provided by the Sri Lanka Army, with backing from Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni) under Major General Pradeep Kulathunga and the 54 Infantry Division led by Major General Saman Perera.

Organisers said the initiative highlights the importance of coordination between state agencies, veterinary professionals, security forces, and local communities in addressing public health and animal welfare challenges.

The latest phase of the project was funded through a private donation from an anonymous benefactor, which enabled large-scale sterilization, vaccination, and treatment services to reach communities with limited access to veterinary care.

Alongside the medical programme, Vets For Future also conducted a dog population survey across Mannar Island to assess the density and distribution of free-roaming dogs. The findings are expected to guide future planning and strengthen evidence-based rabies control strategies.

As Sri Lanka continues efforts to eliminate dog-mediated rabies, officials say sustained vaccination and sterilization campaigns remain central to protecting both animal and human health.