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In 2023, India witnessed a troubling rise in dog bite cases, with nearly 30.5 lakh incidents reported and 286 resulting in fatalities, as disclosed by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, during a session in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The data, provided by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, reveals a total of 30,43,339 dog bite cases for the year. This surge in incidents has been a significant concern, with the National Centre for Disease Control reporting that 46,54,398 anti-rabies vaccinations were administered in response.
To address the growing issue of rabies, the government has been actively pursuing measures through the National Rabies Control Programme, which has been operational across all states and Union Territories, excluding Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, since the 12th Five-Year Plan.
Minister Singh highlighted the importance of controlling dog populations to mitigate dog bite incidents. In response, various local bodies are implementing the Animal Birth Control Programme and Anti-Rabies Vaccination, supported by the Central Government’s Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
Additionally, the Animal Welfare Board of India has issued advisories aimed at educating the public and local authorities on effective dog management and responsible pet ownership. The Central Government is also providing financial assistance to state governments for animal disease control, including rabies vaccinations.
These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by dog bites and rabies, with a focus on prevention and effective management strategies.
