Rabies cases on decline, but risk remains

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: The increase in stray dogs in Bengaluru has become a major concern for the city's residents.

According to a recent census by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), there are over 3 lakh stray dogs in the city as per a survey done in June 2023.

What's Causing the Increase?

Factors such as the irresponsible ownership of owners by abandoning their pets on the streets when they are no longer wanted are leading to the increase in the number of stay dogs.

The lack of effective sterilization programs is also a contributing factor and although the BBMP has been running a sterilisation program for several years, it has not been as effective as it could be.

The increase in the stray dog population can lead to an increased chance of rabies infections. However, in Bengaluru, the number of rabies cases has been on the decline in recent years.

In 2022, there were only 42 cases reported, the increase in the stray dog population can lead to the increase in rabies cases.

Risk remains

According to Dr Senthilkumar, the recent growth trend in people petting any animal they see, and giving shelter to stray puppies is very dangerous if the animal is infected.

Rabies can spread through the bite of an infected animal, but the most common carriers in Bengaluru are stray dogs. He said, “Owing to the increase in “pet lovers” these days and the lack of action from the respective officials, there is a surge in dog bite cases.”

Dr Senthilkumar explains rabies virus is 100% fatal to humans. It is excreted in the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted through bites or scratches.

The virus replicates in muscles, connective tissue, peripheral nerves, and the central nervous system, ascending to various tissues and causing neuronal dysfunction and infection of the spinal cord, cerebellum, and other brain structures.

Usually, the first symptoms of rabies which develop within 2 to 8 weeks of exposure include headache, sore throat, slight fever, pain, and tingling sensation at the bite site. Once symptoms develop, there is no cure for rabies and the disease is almost always fatal.

However, there is a vaccine that can be given to people who have been exposed to the rabies virus. The vaccine is most effective if given within 24 hours of exposure, but it can still be effective if given within 14 days of exposure.

Prevention is Key

Pet owners should vaccinate their pets on time at a veterinary clinic or hospital. Urban rabies can be controlled by eliminating stray dogs and swiftly mass vaccinating at least 80% of dogs.

The health department should raise awareness of rabies, including timely treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis, opined Dr. Selthilkumar. To be cautious, Venu, a dog behaviourist and trainee, emphasised the importance of vaccinating pet dogs and maintaining a distance from stray dogs.

He said, "If there is a genuine need to pet or care for a stray animal, there is a vaccination that humans can take every five years as a preventive measure."

Venu also added that if the BBMP takes preventive measures, such as sterilizing and vaccinating dogs, it can control the spread of disease and unnecessary breeding of stray dogs.

When News Trail tried to contact BBMP regarding this issue multiple times, there was no response.