Government Reports Surge in Dog Bite Cases and Rabies Efforts in 2023

In 2023, nearly 30.5 lakh dog bite cases and 286 related deaths were reported, as informed by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. The government is actively working through the National Rabies Control Programme and other initiatives to manage and prevent rabies across India.

Nearly 30.5 lakh cases of dog bites were reported during 2023, leading to the death of 286 people, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.

According to data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a total of 30,43,339 dog bite cases were recorded in 2023. During the same period, 286 individuals succumbed to their injuries caused by dog bites, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh stated in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

The National Centre for Disease Control reported that 46,54,398 anti-rabies vaccinations were administered due to dog bite cases in 2023. To combat rabies, the health ministry has been running the National Rabies Control Programme across all states and Union Territories, except Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, since the 12th five-year plan.

Singh emphasized that managing dog populations is crucial to controlling dog bite cases. Many local bodies are implementing the Animal Birth Control Programme and Anti Rabies Vaccination, supported by the Central Government's Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.

The Animal Welfare Board of India has issued advisories for the public and local authorities on dog management and responsible pet ownership. The Central Government also provides financial assistance to state governments for animal disease control, which can be utilized for rabies vaccinations.

(With inputs from agencies.)