Rabies scare prompts mass anti-rabies vaccination in Gorakhpur villages

In Dadi Khas village of Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh, approximately 450 residents received anti-rabies vaccine after drinking *charanamrit*—a milk-based offering prepared with milk from a cow that died on Tuesday, October 20, amid suspicion that it had been bitten by a stray dog. Health officials organized a vaccination camp on Wednesday, October 21, to address community concerns.

Cow dies of dog bite, 450 who had prasad from its milk get anti-rabies shots in UP New Indian ExpressCNN-News18Cow dies after 'dog bite', sparks rabies scare as 450 consume milk-based prasad in UP

The cow’s milk had been used to make *charanamrit* distributed during Durga Puja celebrations. The animal’s owner, Navami Yadav, reported that the cow showed signs of illness for one to two days before exhibiting abnormal behavior, including barking, and then dying on October 20. Private veterinarians Bechan Singh and Hardev Yadav, along with a doctor at the local veterinary hospital, suggested a possible dog bite as the cause. The milk had also been supplied to two local shops and several households, extending the potential exposure.

Cow dies of dog bite, 450 who had prasad from its milk get anti-rabies shots in UP New Indian ExpressCNN-News18Cow dies after 'dog bite', sparks rabies scare as 450 consume milk-based prasad in UP

• Total vaccinated: ~450 people.

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• First round: ~50 individuals received the vaccine at the community health centre (CHC) on October 20.

Cow dies after 'dog bite', sparks rabies scare as 450 consume milk-based prasad in UP

• Second round: ~400 individuals were vaccinated at the village camp on October 21.

Cow dies after 'dog bite', sparks rabies scare as 450 consume milk-based prasad in UP

• Villages affected: Dadi Khas and neighboring Govindpur.

New Indian Express

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Rajesh Kumar explained that the vaccination drive was a precautionary measure, noting that the milk was likely boiled before use and that there was “no need to panic.”

Cow dies of dog bite, 450 who had prasad from its milk get anti-rabies shots in UP

Pharmacist Siddharth Singh led the health-department team that administered the shots, supported by health workers Arshad, Sonu Srivastava, Priyanka and Ankita.

New Indian Express

CHC in-charge Amarendra Thakur advised residents to consult medical professionals, follow the prescribed vaccination schedule, and ensure milk is thoroughly boiled before consumption.

New Indian Express

Veterinarian Dr Siddiqui said the cow’s symptoms raised suspicion of rabies but emphasized that laboratory testing was required to confirm the disease.

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• “The cow has died, and people were afraid. Therefore, 450 people were administered anti-rabies vaccines as a precautionary measure,” — Officer Dr Rajesh Kumar

Cow dies of dog bite, 450 who had prasad from its milk get anti-rabies shots in UP

• No laboratory confirmation of rabies in the cow has been reported; veterinarians have only expressed suspicion based on clinical signs.

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• Health experts reiterated that rabies transmission through consumption of milk alone is not an established route, though exposure to saliva or other potentially infectious material could warrant prophylaxis.

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The incident underscores the challenges of managing zoonotic disease fears in rural communities, especially when religious practices involve animal products. The precautionary vaccination campaign reflects public-health authorities’ effort to prevent potential rabies cases despite the absence of confirmed infection, and it highlights the need for clear guidelines on handling animal-derived food items during disease outbreaks.

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