Animal Bites Claim 5,726 Lives Annually in India

A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal has revealed alarming statistics about animal bites in India. On average, 5,726 people lose their lives each year due to animal bites, with dogs accounting for 76.8% of these cases.

The study, conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in March 2022, surveyed 3.37 lakh people across 15 states. Researchers collected data on animal bites, access to anti-rabies vaccination, and related fatalities.

Among the surveyed individuals, 2,000 had experienced animal bites, with an overwhelming majority being dog bite victims. The findings underscore the urgent need to address the issue of stray dogs and improve access to rabies vaccination in the country.