Panic in Gorakhpur Village Over Rabid Milk Ritual

Fear grips a village in Gorakhpur after 150 locals consumed 'panchamrit' from a rabid cow's milk. Authorities rushed to administer anti-rabies vaccines as a precaution despite no evidence of transmission through milk. The situation unfolded in Ramdih after the cow's rabies-related death.

Fear has enveloped a Gorakhpur village after approximately 150 residents consumed 'panchamrit' made from the raw milk of a cow later confirmed to have rabies, officials announced on Tuesday.

The incident occurred in Ramdih, within the Uruwa block, located about 40 km from the district's core.

Dr. J P Tiwari, overseeing the Uruwa primary health center, reported that around 160 villagers have been given two doses of the anti-rabies vaccine, with the next dose scheduled for the seventh day. While no research confirms rabies transmission through infected cow milk, vaccination is advised as a precaution. The milk was part of a ritual performed by locals Rajeev Gaur and Sonu Vishwakarma. The cow, belonging to Dharmendra Gaur, died exhibiting rabies symptoms, causing alarm among residents. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rajesh Jha assures the situation is under continuous monitoring.

(With inputs from agencies.)