Stray Dog population is growing unabated about urban and rural landscapes Photocredit: Sudhakara Jain
In India, the rabies crisis is persistently and largely overlooked. The reality is even more disturbing when one believes that rabies can be prevented and is healable if timely and suitable treatment is administered. Recent studies of the ICMR-NIE have shown that India sees more than 9 million cases of animal bite every year, with rural population and children disproportionately affected.
A growing stray dog population in urban and rural landscapes deteriorates the situation. In 2024 alone, more than 2.1 million dog bite issues were reported in various Indian states. The rise in bite incidents is not incidental; It reflects a breakdown in preventive measures such as programs for the contraception of animals, public efforts for pets vaccination and good waste management. Children under the age of 15 are particularly vulnerable and represent a considerable percentage of bite victims. Yet many regions still lack effective interventions at community level that can change these results.
Incomplete treatment
Even when victims start treatment, many cannot complete the full prophylaxis (PEP) regime after exposure. About 80 percent of those bitten receive at least one vaccindosis, instead of the 5-dose of immunization schedule as recommended by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics and the World Health Organization. Access to critical elements such as rabies immunoglobulin (rig) or monoclonal antibodies are also seriously limited.
In essence, Rabies is a health problem. This means that it exists at the intersection of human, animal and environment health. More than 96 percent of the dead in rabies in India is the result of dog bites, but the cause extends beyond human medicine. Urbanization, deforestation and poor sanitary facilities worsen the problem by encouraging the proliferation of stray animals. An extensive and collaboration approach that combines veterinary health services, human health systems and environmental management is essential for meaningful progress.
Science already has the answers. The World Health Organization has created a clear framework for prevention. Prophylaxis after exposure includes thorough wound washing, the administration of rig or monoclonal antibodies where necessary, and a course of five doses for a complete course of anti-rethies vaccination. If it is applied correctly, the treatment has a success rate of more than 99 percent after exposure. The problem is no longer scientific but logistics, educational and politics.
Fortunately, India is at a unique intersection where scientific innovation and production come together to lead the global fight against rabies. However, even the best tools are not effective if they are not accessible. Many national and remote public health systems have no essential rabies treatments in stock. Health workers often have no training in managing bite -injury, and communities do not remain aware of the importance of immediate wound care and timely vaccination. Surveillance is inconsistent and rabies is still not a reportable disease in all states, making it difficult to plan and implement effective interventions. Compiling these problems are the estimated 30 million stray dogs in the country, most of which are not -vaccinated.
There is hope in the form of national programs and public involvement. The National Rabies Control Program (NRCP) wants to eliminate the deaths by human rabies in India by 2030. The strategy focuses on training caregivers, promoting cost -efficient intradermal vaccination methods, improving diagnostic infrastructure and increasing community consciousness. But these are just the first steps. The route map for the elimination of rabies must also contain a widespread availability of rig in all district and sub-district hospitals, large-scale vaccination campaigns for stray and community dogs, and an integrated coordination of health care between human and animal health services.
The writer is executive chairman, Bharat Biotech
Published on September 9, 2025
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