Carcass disposal crisis puts Goa’s ‘rabies-controlled’ status in jeopardy

Panaji: Goa’s coveted status as India’s first ‘rabies-controlled’ state has been threatened by a severe carcass disposal crisis. Mission Rabies has warned the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services (AHVS) that it has been forced to scale back operations due to the absence of an approved disposal facility.“Carcasses are accumulating, and if this situation continues, we may be forced to suspend rabies testing and rescue operations. This would be detrimental to public health and could seriously jeopardise Goa’s hard-earned ‘rabies-controlled’ status,” said director of education at Mission Rabies, Murugan Appupillai.In a letter sent to the AHVS department on Friday, the animal welfare organisation sought temporary land for scientific burial until an incinerator becomes operational.“Due to the absence of a dedicated and approved disposal facility, we have been compelled to restrict rabies-testing activities, which is a serious concern. If an incinerator were available, we would be able to increase the number of animals tested, strengthening rabies surveillance and control in the state,” the letter stated.Earlier, Mission Rabies managed disposal on land allotted by govt within the Curca panchayat’s jurisdiction.

Within two years, the panchayat raised objections, and the facility had to be discontinued. Disposal was then temporarily managed on private properties with the consent of animal welfare supporters, but this arrangement has also been withdrawn.While the proposed ultra-modern veterinary centre at govt-allotted land at Usgao, Ponda, includes plans for an in-house incinerator, the facility is yet to be established.

Until then, there is no authorised or viable option for carcass disposal.Mission Rabies cited the example of Bengaluru’s govt animal funeral centre, wherein the final journey of an animal is marked with garlands, rituals and a swift, humane cremation that returns ashes to its owners within the hour. “In Goa, that dignity remains heartbreakingly out of reach with the absence of even a single functional animal incinerator. The crisis is relentless as each month, we are confronted with the grim reality of over 50 animal carcasses that are victims of disease, neglect, or injury,” Appupillai said.The AHVS department shrugged off responsibility when asked for a comment on the matter, placing the onus of carcass disposal on civic bodies.