Brief 15-sec clip created unnecessary panic: Dr Altaf Geelani on linking cats to miscarriages

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-02-03 14:27:19 |

Share: WhatsApp| Facebook| Twitter| Visits: 76

Srinagar, Feb 03: Superintendent of the Central Veterinary Hospital in Srinagar Dr. Altaf Geelani Monday rules out any immediate danger to pets or public health and said a short video created "unnecessary" panic among people.

Addressing media persons in Srinagar, Dr Altaf Geelani while referring to previous video which linked cats to miscarriages, said that with proper care, the health of pets and and by extension, their owners were not at risk.

"Unfortunately, a brief 15-second clip aired on a private channel created unnecessary panic," he said.

He said the main objective was to raise awareness about pet care, including timely deworming, vaccination, and maintaining hygiene.

"The hospital’s outpatient department (OPD) treats around 50000 cases annually but this year the number increased to to 450,000 cases," he said.

He said that the lack of vaccination and deworming for many pets, which had not been administered in the last one to two years, posed a risk to animal health.

“We are working hard to develop a culture of responsible pet ownership in the region,” he said. “Through our high-tech facilities, including over 100 ultrasounds and 60-70 surgeries per month, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for animals," he added.

Dr. Altaf Geelani further said that they conduct 2500 lab tests each month free of cost, as part of their ongoing effort to enhance public awareness besides ensuring good health of pets

"The primary goal of the hospital’s outreach efforts was educational, not alarmist. Regular deworming, vaccinations, and maintaining hygiene for pets are essential,” he said, adding that if these measures were followed, there was no significant health risk to either pets or their human companions.

About the concerns about potential diseases in pets, Dr. Altaf Geelani assured that with proper care, the risk of transmission was minimal.

"Climate change was another factor for contributing to the spread of fungal infections in pets, particularly during the transition between winter and spring," he said.

He said the hospital has been proactive in spreading awareness through various district-level camps, offering vaccinations and health checkups.

“While our mandate is hospital-based, we are collaborating with local initiatives and working closely with other health departments to ensure pets across the region receive the care they need,” Dr. Geelani said.

He stressed for maintaining regular veterinary care for pets saying that proper precautions would prevent the spread of any potential diseases.

“We are always available to the public through our social media platforms and hospital services. Our goal is to ensure that pets and their owners remain healthy, safe, and well-informed,” Dr. Altaf Geelani said.