The study, however, noted "a substantial decline" in human rabies deaths over the past two decades, and called for elimination of dog-mediated human rabies by 2030.

India experiences 9.1 million animal bites every year, with dogs accounting for 76.8% of incidents last year, a survey has revealed.

The survey was carried out across 78,807 households accounting for 337,808 persons, 2,052 of whom had a history of animal bites, predominantly from dogs, which made up 1,576 (76.8%) incidents. 323 (20.5%) of those bitten by dogs did not receive post-exposure rabies vaccinations (ARV), and 1,043 (66.2%) received at least three doses. Alarmingly, nearly half (615, or 49.1%) of the 1,253 individuals who received one dose did not complete their vaccination course.

The researchers conducted a community-based nationwide cross-sectional survey from a larger population calling it a “multistage cluster-sampling design” from March 2, 2022 to Aug 26, 2023, covering 60 districts in 15 Indian states.

The head of the household or an adult family member was interviewed to collect information about animal-bite history in family members, receipt of anti-rabies vaccination (ARV), and death following animal bite in the family.

“Of the 337 808 individuals residing in the 78 807 households surveyed, 2052 gave a history of animal bite, mostly (1576 [76·8%]) due to dogs in the past 1 year. The weighted and adjusted annual incidence of animal bite was 6·6 (95% CI 5·7–7·6) per 1000 population, translating into 9·1 million bites nationally,” the study found.

The study, however, noted "a substantial decline" in human rabies deaths over the past two decades, and called for elimination of dog-mediated human rabies by 2030.

The researchers have called for "integrating human and animal surveillance, ensuring timely administration of full course of post-exposure prophylaxis, and accelerating dog vaccination across the country are crucial steps towards this goal."

Also read: World Rabies Day: India accounts for 36% of 60,000 annual deaths from rabies - First Check

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