Dr R K Bhardwaj
Rabies is 10th most common cause of human deaths. Rabies is endemic in India except the Andaman & Nicobar and the Lakshadweep Islands. Rabies is deadly but 100 percent preventable disease caused by Lyssa virus of family – Rhabdoviridae . It affects all warm blooded animals and transmitted by saliva, bite or scratches from animals mainly dogs, foxes, Jackals, Monkeys and Mongoose etc. World Rabies day is observed on 28th September every year for awareness of people about rabies and enhance prevention and control measures. The day is commemorated on the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, who first developed an effective Anti-rabies vaccine. While canine rabies tragically takes around 59,000 human lives each year, its impact extends far beyond just mortality. It also robs millions of their health, causing the equivalent of 3.7 million years of healthy life to be lost due to disability. This devastating toll also has a financial cost, estimated at $8.6 billion annually in economic losses, affecting families and healthcare systems worldwide, with a disproportionate burden borne by developing nations. India has the most people in the world, and also the most stray dogs. Because there are so many people and so many dogs living close together, there’s a higher chance for diseases to spread from dogs to people, especially rabies. Sadly, this is why India accounts for a very large number of deaths from rabies, even though it’s a disease that can be prevented. It’s a big challenge because of how many people and dogs share the same spaces.

world rabies day

Hurdles on the Horizon: Challenges to Overcome
Despite the optimism, formidable challenges remain. The sheer scale of the stray dog population, estimated to be in the tens of millions, presents an logistical nightmare for comprehensive vaccination coverage. Ensuring consistent and widespread access to vaccines, especially in remote areas, is a perpetual struggle. Moreover, cultural perceptions and a lack of consistent enforcement of animal birth control (ABC) programs contribute to the burgeoning stray population. “Effective rabies elimination hinges not just on vaccination, but also on managing the dog population humanely,” explains Mr. Rajesh Kumar, a municipal animal welfare officer. “Without sustainable ABC programs, the cycle continues.” Another significant hurdle is the continued reliance on unscientific and often inhumane culling practices in some areas, which have proven ineffective in controlling rabies and are ethically questionable. Building trust with communities and advocating for humane, evidence-based strategies is paramount. The awareness among the common person regarding rabies prevention and proper post-bite care is a mixed bag. In urban centers and areas where specific campaigns have been intense, there’s a growing understanding of the importance of vaccinating pets and seeking immediate medical attention after an animal bite. However, in many rural communities, misconceptions persist, traditional remedies are sometimes prioritized over modern medical care, and awareness about dog vaccination remains low. While messaging from medical and veterinary associations, along with government outreach, is increasing, bridging the knowledge gap effectively across all socio-economic strata and ensuring that awareness translates into prompt action is an ongoing battle. The challenge lies in converting episodic campaigns into continuous, deeply embedded community knowledge and proactive health-seeking behaviours.
The Way Forward: The One health Approach
India confronts a major challenge that calls for a coordinated public response, given its position as the country with the largest human population in the world, as well as the largest population of stray dogs. The One Health approach represents a potential game changer for this complex issue. This strategy recognises that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are strongly linked. Instead of fragmented efforts by separate government departments, a One Health approach would create a coordinated, multidisciplinary strategy involving public health officials, veterinarians, and environmentalists . This integrated effort would focus on preventing diseases at the source through widespread dog vaccination and sterilisation.The most effective and humane strategy is the Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR) program. This approach addresses the root cause of the problem by stabilizing dog populations and, most critically, creating herd immunity through mass vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) endorse CNVR as the global gold standard for rabies control and stray animal population management.
This approach is particularly relevant in India, where towns and cities are home to over 30 million stray dogs, which account for 97% of human rabies cases from bites. The battle to control rabies by brutally killing stray dogs has not yielded results. Mass vaccination of 70% of the dog population in endemic areas creates a barrier of healthy, immune dogs that prevents the disease from spreading. The cost of vaccinating dogs is minimal compared to the cost of emergency post-exposure treatments for bitten people. The government can offer subsidies to both pet owners and animal welfare organisations to reduce the cost of vaccines and sterilisation procedures. Schemes like the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules already provide financial assistance, but these can be expanded and made more accessible to local bodies and NGOs.
Deploying mobile veterinary clinics can bring ARV and sterilisation services directly to underserved and rural areas. This reduces the logistical burden and travel costs for pet owners and local communities. Promote the use of Oral anti-rabies vaccine in pets – Right now, getting dogs vaccinated for rabies is a big challenge. The shots require multiple visits, which can be hard for pet owners to keep up with, and the cost can be too high. Plus, getting the vaccines to rural areas is tough because they need to be kept cold, and that’s not always possible.But there’s a promising solution: oral rabies vaccines (ORVs). Think of how the oral polio vaccine made it easier to reach more people. ORVs work the same way for dogs. They come in a bait, so you don’t have to catch or restrain the dogs to vaccinate them. This could be a game-changer for India’s fight against rabies, making it much easier to vaccinate the large population of free-roaming dogs and helping us get closer to a rabies-free country.
What we should do immediately after a dog bite ?
Wash the wound for 10-15 minutes with soap and water / or five percent benzalkonium chloride solution, as it aids in preventing the establishment of infection. 70 percent alcohol (commercial spirit) or povidone-iodine solution can also be applied on the wound if available. A bite to the face, neck, or head is considered more dangerous than a bite to a limb.The rabies virus travels along nerve pathways to the brain. When a bite occurs closer to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), the virus has a shorter distance to travel. Then Immediately seek medical help promptly & Report animal bites to local authorities. Undergo proper post-exposure vaccination along with Rabies Immunoglobulin administration .
What being a responsible pet Owner we can do ?
Always Vaccinate your own pets & stray dog in the locality (if possible). The rabies vaccine requires an initial dose followed by regular boosters. In India, a dog’s first rabies vaccine is typically administered at 3-4 months of age, followed by a second dose 21 days later, and then a single annual booster to maintain immunity. In case of dog bite to your own pet immediately Wash the wound for 10-15 minutes with soap and water. Apply 70 percent alcohol (commercial spirit) or povidone-iodine solution can also be applied on the wound if available. Followed by Post exposure Anti Rabies Vaccination protocol from a licensed Veterinarian or a near by local veterinary authority.
(The author is Professor, Division of Veterinary Medicine, SKUAST- Jammu)

The post Rabies free India by 2030 appeared first on Daily Excelsior.