India’s dangerous animal cutting cases highlight the urgent need for rabies control
The main criminals behind the human rabies are stray dogs, who are responsible for about 96% of cases in India.
India has seen a worrying increase in animal bites cases, especially due to stray dogs.
Experts and officials are raising alarm about the link between these bite and rabies, a deadly disease that can almost always be prevented with timely action.
Anatomy
In 2024 alone, India included 22 million (2.2 million) dog bites cases and other animals such as other animals in more than 5 lakh cases. Reports suggest that about 20% of the bite victims are children under the age of 15, making it a serious public health concern. This trend is particularly visible in urban areas, but rural areas are also greatly affected.
Some cities and states have seen a dramatic jump in the reported cutting. For example, Noida saw an increase of 31% in cases in a single year, and the number of Ludhiana has exceeded double since 2021. All over the country, from 2022 to 2024, have jumped up to 70%. Each year with millions of bits and numbers are still climbing, the risk of rabies has increased rapidly.
Why is this happening?
The main criminals behind the human rabies are stray dogs, who are responsible for about 96% of cases in India. Many challenges make the problem worse:
- The population of uncontrolled stray animals, especially dogs
- Inadequate animal birth control and vaccination program
- How to prevent bite to take help after lack of public awareness and help
- Poor access to anti-rabies clinics and life-sax remedies in some areas
Rabies threat
Rabies are almost always fatal. Once the symptoms are set, but the animal is treated immediately after bite. On average, every year in India, dozens of people die at high risk with dozens of people, children and the elderly. The actual number can be higher, as not all cases are reported.
What can be done?
Experts and Health Authorities are calling for immediate, coordinated measures:
Mass dog vaccination: This is the most effective way to control rabies at its source. States like Goa have shown that the dog’s vaccination and targeting population management may cause a sharp decline in cases of human rabies.
Stray Animal Population Control: Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs are being expanded and are essential for long -term solutions.
Better public awareness: People need to know that the animals can save life immediately by cutting with soap and seeking medical help.
Free and accessible anti-rabies treatment: More anti -Rabi clinics are being installed, and vaccination and immune globulin are provided free of cost through national programs such as the National Rabies Control Program (NRCP).
Rapid response to cutting cases: Post-exposure Profilaxis (PEP) early administration and, in some cases, rabies immunoglobulin.
Government initiative
India has launched the National Action Plan to end the dog-mediated rabies (Nepar) with the goal of getting rabies-free by 2030. The government is also emphasizing on strict enforcement of rules on animal welfare and dog population management.
What should you do when bite?
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
- Go to a healthcare facility for immediate anti-rabies treatment.
- Follow the full vaccination schedule as per the advice by doctors.
- If a stray animal is included, report the incident to the authorities.
Animal bites have become a public health crisis in India, with millions of deadly but stainable diseases. Strong rabies prevention, more effective animal control, and public education are required to save life and work towards rabies-free future
Envenomeing.
