India must continue to fast-track its action to eliminate Rabies by 2030: ICMR-NIE

New Delhi [India], July 10 (ANI): The Central Government is aiming to eliminate Rabies by 2030. According to the study done by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), on Human rabies death and animal bite burden estimates in India, 2022-2023, more than 5000 people die every year due to dog bites.
Nearly 9.1 million animal bites and 5,726 human rabies deaths due to dog bites are estimated to occur every year in India.
80 per cent of the dog bite victims reported taking at least one dose of the vaccination. In order to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030, India must continue to fast-track its action through a focused one health approach, states a study done by ICMR-NIE.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy on the basis of release issued by the Ministry mentioned that States/UTs have reported, as per the data reported on the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (Integrated Health Information Platform) portal under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, that 2195122 dog bites cases in India during Jan-Dec2024.
The primary objectives of the study are to estimate human rabies and deaths. The primary objectives of the study are to estimate the incidence of animal bites and to estimate human rabies deaths by decision tree model.
The secondary objectives are to estimate the proportion of animal bite cases receiving post-exposure prophylaxis, describe the anti-rabies vaccine supply chain at different levels of the health care system and estimate direct and indirect costs associated with animal bite cases, states the study.
During March 2022 to August 2023, we did a nationwide cross-sectional survey among individuals residing in 600 clusters across 60 districts in 15 Indian states. We employed a multistage cluster sampling design, utilising a probability sampling technique at every stage of selection. The head of the household or an adult family member was interviewed to collect information about the demographic details, bite history in any of the family members, type of biting animal, post bite animal status and circumstances leading to the animal bite, receipt of anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) and death after animal bite in the family. Annual animal bite incidence, along with 95 CI, was estimated after applying the sampling weights and adjusting for clustering.
Study also revealed that the dog bite incidence was higher among children, below 14 years and elderly aged above 60 years, The dog bite incidence was higher among children aged 0-14 years (0.75 percent) and elderly aged above 60 years (0.78 percent) and among males (0.76 percent) and was not different in rural (0.58 percent) and urban (0.50 percent) areas (p=0.253). Among the dog bite victims, 79.5 percent (n=1,253) took at least one dose of anti-rabies vaccine. Using the decision tree/probability model we estimated 5,726 (95 percent CI: 3,967 - 7,350) human rabies deaths occurring every year in India.
For a few years, Goa has maintained a rabies-free record. Sanchita Banerjee Rodrigues, Trustee - Panjim Animal Welfare Society, said, Goa has emerged as a model state in India for rabies control, having maintained its status as a rabies-controlled region for the last six years. This remarkable achievement is not by chance but by the sheer dedication and synergy of all stakeholders involved--government bodies, veterinarians, animal welfare volunteers, feeders, the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, DSPCA, and schools that play a key role in awareness and education.

Even when a rare case was reported last year in one of our islands in Goa involving a pet-owned dog, the response was swift and decisive. The entire village was sensitised, and containment protocols were immediately executed. This collective, community-driven action ensured that the situation was brought under control without panic or misinformation, she said.

On what other states/UTs can learn from Goa, she said, What other states can learn from Goa is the importance of cohesive teamwork. The key lies in consistent collaboration and trust among those on the ground and those in authority. Rabies control is not just about vaccines--it about education, surveillance, early action, and deep-rooted community involvement. In Goa, feeders are the first responders, schools are awareness hubs, and volunteers serve as both watchdogs and caregivers. The veterinary community ensures scientific rigour, while the government ensures continuity of support, infrastructure, and accountability

The Goa model proves that rabies elimination is achievable in India with strategic planning and shared responsibility. It not about isolated efforts, but a united front with a clear goal. As the country moves closer to the goal of Zero by 30, Goa stands as a shining example that with the right approach, the dream of a rabies-free India is within reach. It is time for other states to adapt, localise, and adopt Goa spirit of collaboration and unwavering, she said.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Associate Director - Internal Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram said that the Rabies virus is the cause of the fatal viral disease rabies. It is primarily transmitted by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, usually a stray dog, but it can also be spread by bats, cats, and monkeys.
The virus causes inflammation in the brain by affecting the central nervous system.Once symptoms appear, such as fever, confusion, fear of water, and paralysis, it is almost always fatal.The risks linked to rabies are severe. If wounds from animal bites or scratches are not cleaned and treated correctly, they can lead to serious infections like sepsis, or localized bacterial infections, he said.
Doctor Kumar further said, Prevention is essential. Getting vaccinated on time is important for pets and for people at higher risk, like veterinarians, animal handlers. If someone gets bitten or scratched, they should wash the wound right away with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. They should then seek medical evaluation and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes anti-rabies vaccines and, if needed, rabies immunoglobulin. People should avoid contact with stray or wild animals and supervise children around animals. Keeping up with regular pet vaccinations and supporting community animal birth control and awareness programs are crucial in reducing the spread of rabies. (ANI)

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