Rabies is among the deadliest viral infections known to humans, with an almost 100 per cent fatality rate once symptoms appear. In India, it continues to claim thousands of lives every year despite being entirely preventable.  

According to the Lancet study, rabies killed approximately 5,700 people in India in 2022–23. The World Health Organisation estimates that India accounts for 36 per cent of the global rabies death toll, which is around 60,000 annually.  

Considering the growing numbers, it is important to understand why rabies remains such a significant public health threat in India, what factors are fuelling its rise, and what solutions are available to curb this entirely preventable disease.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that spreads to humans primarily through the saliva of infected animals, most often via bites. In developed countries, wild animals such as bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks are common carriers, but in developing countries like India, stray dogs are the leading source of transmission.

Once the rabies virus enters the human body, it attacks the central nervous system. The disease begins with flu-like symptoms — fever, headache, and nausea — but quickly progresses to severe neurological complications such as anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, excessive salivation, paralysis, and the characteristic fear of water (hydrophobia). Once these symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. Because of this, immediate medical attention after a bite is critical. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) — a series of rabies vaccinations administered after potential exposure — is highly effective in preventing the disease if given on time. However, delays or incomplete treatment often prove deadly. 

What is the dog menace situation in India? 

Considering that in India the vast majority of rabies cases are linked to dog bites, it is important to take a closer look at the scale of the dog menace across the country.

A study published in The Lancet and funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) paints the clearest national picture yet. It found that India experiences 9.1 million dog bites each year, with dogs responsible for 76.8 per cent of all animal bite incidents. Nearly one in five bite victims (20.5 per cent) did not receive any anti-rabies vaccination, and almost half of those who began treatment did not complete the full course.  

The same study estimated 5,726 human rabies deaths annually in India and called for a “One Health” approach — integrating human and animal health surveillance, scaling up dog vaccination campaigns, and ensuring timely post-exposure prophylaxis — to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030.  

According to official data accessed by PTI, Delhi has reported 26,334 dog bite cases so far this year. Of these, 9,920 cases were recorded at Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) hospitals and 15,010 at its anti-rabies vaccination centres. In 2024, the MCD recorded a total of 68,090 dog bite cases. Between January and June this year alone, 49 rabies cases were reported in the capital, alongside 35,198 animal bite incidents. Public health experts say these figures underscore the danger posed by large populations of unvaccinated stray dogs.  

Delhi’s stray dog population is estimated at around 10 lakh, according to MCD data and recent surveys. Yet, only 4.7 lakh dogs were sterilised in 2023 — far below the 70–80 per cent sterilisation coverage that experts say is needed to stabilise the population. Data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) shows dog bite cases in Delhi climbed from 6,691 in 2022 to 17,874 in 2023, and further to 25,210 in 2024 — a staggering 277 per cent increase in just two years. The trend appears to be continuing into 2025, with 3,196 cases already reported in January alone.  

The crisis extends far beyond Delhi. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), under the National Rabies Control Programme, recorded 37,17,336 dog bite cases across India in 2024, along with 54 suspected human rabies deaths.  

Kerala offers a striking example of how serious the situation can become at the state level. Dog bite cases there rose by more than 200 per cent between 2013 and 2021 — from 62,280 in 2013 to 2,21,379 in 2021.  

Do we have a solution?

In a Lok Sabha reply a couple of months ago, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has launched the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) for the prevention and control of rabies. According to the Ministry, “the strategies of National Rabies Control Programme are to conduct training on appropriate animal bite management, prevention and control of rabies, surveillance and intersectoral coordination, strengthening surveillance of animal bites, provision of procurement of Anti-Rabies Vaccine for animal bite victims through the National Free Drug Initiative and Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities to create awareness.” 

In addition, to address the root cause of rabies, particularly dog-mediated transmission, the Ministry has introduced the National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. This action plan lays out the roadmap for eliminating dog-mediated human rabies in India by 2030.  

“As per the information received from States/UTs through NRCP monthly reporting, a total of 1.33 crore vials of Anti-Rabies vaccines had been procured by 36 States/UTs in the year 2024, wherein 1.26 crore vials were utilized in the same year,” the Ministry added.  

But even with these measures, the growing menace of stray dogs remains a serious challenge. In response, the Supreme Court, on August 22, modified its earlier order of August 11, which had barred the release of stray dogs once picked up by civic bodies. The court clarified that stray dogs must be released back onto the streets after sterilisation and immunisation, except in cases where they are infected with rabies or show aggressive behaviour. It also widened the scope of the case, issuing notices to all states, union territories, and the Animal Husbandry Department. 

Speaking on what to do if someone is bitten by an animal, Dr Narendra Pardeshi, Veterinary Surgeon at The Small Animal Clinic, explained, “The very first step, whether the animal is vaccinated or not, is to wash the wound thoroughly under running water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Use a hard detergent, like household soap, which acts as an alkaline agent and flushes out nearly 99.9 per cent of the virus. Then apply an antiseptic, but do not bandage the wound. Keep it open.” 

He also explained that the seriousness of rabies depends on the site of the bite. Bites closer to the head and neck are riskier, as the virus reaches the brain faster. “That’s why immunoglobulins are crucial. They provide immediate antibodies at the bite site. And within 24 hours, you must begin the post-bite rabies vaccination course. If you delay, the chances of rabies transmission increase dramatically. There is no cure once rabies symptoms appear, neither in humans nor in animals. Prevention is the only option.” 

According to him, vaccination, for both animals and humans, is the key to breaking the cycle of rabies transmission. Countries like the US and UK have already eliminated rabies through mass vaccination campaigns, including the use of oral vaccine baits for wild animals. “In India, unfortunately, we don’t yet have an oral rabies vaccine. But for stray and pet dogs, regular vaccination and neutering remain the most effective strategies,” he said. 

Dr Pardeshi highlighted the importance of educating children to be compassionate towards dogs. He added that most stray dogs do not bite without provocation. “Normally, stray dogs don’t attack unless someone throws stones or tries to hurt them. People often get scared, and that fear changes their body language, making the dog more suspicious. If a dog comes near, don’t panic or run. Stay calm and still, and in most cases, the dog will simply walk away.”

Also read: Does relocating vaccinated stray dogs truly worsen rabies outbreaks and public health?