In the calendar year 2023, at least 30.43 lakh cases of dog bites were reported across India, up from 17.01 lakh in 2021, as per the Union Health Ministry data sourced from Integrated Disease Surveillance Plan-Integrated Health Information Platform (IDSP-IHIP).
When compared to 2018 or 2019, the number of dog-bite cases has registered a significant drop but post 2021, the cases are on a consistent rise. There were more than 70 lakh cases annually each in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, when the nationwide lockdown was imposed to fight the spread of coronavirus infection, the cases dropped to around 45 lakh.
During 2021, when the fatal second wave hit, the cases further dropped to 17 lakh. The next year, in 2022, it increased to almost 22 lakh. In 2023, up to November, the cases were 27.59 lakh, which increased to over 30 lakh during the calendar year.
Dog bites can be fatal too. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of human deaths globally due to dog-mediated rabies is estimated to be 59,000 annually, and India accounts for 20,565 (35 per cent) deaths annually.
As per the official data captured in IDSP, during 2023, 286 people died due to dog bites in India. Further, the ministry data shows that 46.54 lakh anti-rabies shots for dog-bite cases were used in 2023.
In the last three years, 101.54 lakh anti-rabies vaccines were administered in dogs; 12.85 lakh anti-rabies vaccine were administered in other animals, and 24.53 lakhs dogs were sterilised.
To prevent and control rabies, the ministry is implementing the National Rabies Control Programme since the 12th Five Year plan in all states and Union Territories except Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) and Anti-Rabies Serum is included in the essential list and has been included in the National Free Drug Initiative under National Health Mission as well.
The Union Health Ministry has asked states/UTs to include the ARV in the essential drugs list and procure it under the National Free Drug Initiatives of the National Health Mission. The cost of one vial of ARV is Rs 250 and average cost of one vial of RIG is Rs 350.
The ministry is also providing funds to states and UTs for procurement of ARV and Rabies Immunoglobulin for prevention of rabies. ARV and RIG are also under State Essential Drug list and it is available free of cost in government hospitals, medical colleges and anti-rabies clinic.
Currently, in India, two types of Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) are available — Human Immunoglobulin (HRIG) and Equine Immunoglobulin (ERIG). HRIG is an imported product.
Further, dog-population management is one of the key functions for controlling dog-bite cases. In this regard, local bodies are implementing the Animal Birth Control Programme and Anti Rabies Vaccination for which the Union government has framed Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
The Animal Welfare Board of India has issued various advisories for the public and local authorities for management of dogs and responsible pet partnerships.
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