Moving Toward Rabies-Free Communities: Animal Birth Control Program in Rasuwa

April 14, 2025

By Youth for Environment and Social Transformation (YEAST)

In a committed stride toward achieving “Zero Rabies by 2030”, Youth for Environment and Social Transformation (YEAST) successfully conducted an Animal Birth Control (ABC) program in Naukunda Rural Municipality, nestled in the scenic hills of Rasuwa District.

This vital initiative was led by YEAST’s Founder President, Dr. Akrit Rijal, and supported by a dedicated team of eight professionals, combining expertise, compassion, and a shared mission to promote animal welfare and public health in rural Nepal.

Why It Matters

Rabies remains a persistent threat in many parts of Nepal, particularly in remote areas where access to veterinary care and public awareness can be limited. The ABC program is a humane and effective way to manage stray dog populations, break the cycle of rabies transmission, and foster coexistence between humans and animals.

Behind the Scenes: A Collaborative Effort

The ABC camp was a model of efficient teamwork and expert execution. A total of 189 dogs were sterilized—100 females and 89 males—from all ward numbers of the municipality. Each animal was returned to the exact location it was collected from, ensuring minimal disruption to its natural environment.

The surgical team comprised four experienced veterinarians:

Dr. Rabindra Tiwari
Dr. Puja Baral
Dr. Keshav Kharel
Dr. Rajesh Gautam

Their skill and dedication were matched by the on-ground coordination team: Niroj Magar, Sujan Timalsina, and Yugen, who handled dog catching, pre-operative care, and post-operative monitoring with patience and professionalism.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Suman Sir, Head of the Animal Sector at Naukunda Municipality, whose tireless facilitation and logistical support made the entire operation seamless.

Community Involvement: A Key to Success

One of the most uplifting aspects of the program was the active participation of the local community and stakeholders. From assisting in identifying dogs to helping with transport and providing moral support, the involvement of residents brought a shared sense of purpose to the mission.

It was also a deeply enriching experience for our team to engage with the rural community—to witness their customs, hospitality, and resilience. These moments remind us of the strong connection between environmental health, social transformation, and cultural understanding.

Looking Ahead

This ABC program is more than a milestone—it’s a stepping stone toward a rabies-free Nepal. By empowering local municipalities, raising awareness, and creating sustainable animal welfare strategies, we aim to replicate and expand such initiatives across the country.

We believe that youth-led action, backed by science and community collaboration, can lead to lasting social and environmental transformation.

🙏 Thank You, Naukunda
From our entire team at YEAST, thank you to every hand that helped make this program a success. Together, we are not just changing lives—we’re saving them.

#RabiesFree2030 #BetterEnvironmentBetterSociety #AnimalWelfareNepal #YEASTNepal