A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal has revealed that three in every four animal bites in India are caused by dogs. The research also estimates that over 5,700 human deaths occur annually due to rabies, a deadly disease transmitted through animal bites, particularly from dogs.

The study, conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), was based on a nationwide community survey conducted from March 2022 to August 2023. The survey covered 60 districts across 15 states, interviewing 78,800 households involving 3,37,808 individuals. The focus was on gathering data related to animal bites, anti-rabies vaccination, and fatalities due to animal bites.

According to the findings, dogs are the leading cause of animal bites, with the majority of incidents involving people who have been bitten by stray or unvaccinated dogs. This highlights the urgent need for improved vaccination programs and measures to control the stray dog population to reduce the risk of rabies transmission.

The study further emphasized that rabies continues to be a significant public health concern in India, particularly in rural areas, where access to timely medical treatment and vaccination may be limited.

Key Highlights:

• 75% of animal bites in India are caused by dogs.
• Estimated 5,700 human deaths annually due to rabies.
• The study involved over 78,800 households across 60 districts in 15 states.

The ICMR calls for enhanced awareness, more widespread vaccination efforts, and stronger animal control measures to reduce the incidence of rabies and prevent further deaths.