GG News Bureau
Patna, 26th Feb. The latest economic survey of Bihar has revealed a staggering surge of over 20 times in reported cases of dog bites compared to the preceding year. The Bihar Economic Survey (2023-24), released by the state government, has identified dog bites as the “most prevalent disease” in the region.
According to the report, a total of 2,07,181 individuals fell victim to dog bites during the 2022-23 period, marking a substantial increase from the 9,809 cases recorded in the previous fiscal year of 2021-22.
Data analysis revealed an alarming daily average of 600 individuals suffering from dog bites across Bihar. The report highlighted malaria as the state’s second most prevalent disease, with 45,532 reported cases in 2022-23. However, it did not specify the number of rabies cases typically transmitted through bites from infected animals, including dogs.
Citing a World Health Organization report, it emphasized that dogs serve as the primary source of human rabies deaths, accounting for up to 99 percent of all rabies transmissions to humans.
Patna, the state capital, reported the highest number of dog bite incidents, totaling 22,599 cases in 2022-23. It was followed by Nalanda (17,074), Gopalganj (15,253), Vaishali (13,110), and several other districts with significant numbers.
In response to the concerning statistics, municipal authorities pledged intensified efforts to tackle the issue. Animesh Kumar Parashar, Patna Municipal Commissioner, affirmed plans to enhance measures and engage non-governmental organizations, seeking cooperation from the public.
Shekhar Anand, Municipal Commissioner of Nalanda, echoed the commitment to curbing the menace, highlighting dedicated municipal teams and intensified drives against stray dogs.
Expressing concern, medical practitioner Dr. Manoj Kumar emphasized the importance of addressing rabies cases stemming from infected animal bites, urging authorities to take appropriate measures.
Alokparna Sengupta, Managing Director for Humane Society International/India, emphasized the necessity for authorities to address human-animal conflict and effectively implement the Animal Birth Control Programme to mitigate dog bite incidents. She highlighted the recently notified Prevention of Cruelty (Animal Birth Control) Rules 2023 as a step towards a humane approach in managing such challenges.
