Panic in Budaun Village After Rabid Dog Bites Buffalo, About 200 Residents Take Preventive Rabies Vaccination

Lucknow, Dec 29: Fear and confusion spread in a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Budaun district after a buffalo died days after being bitten by a suspected rabid dog, prompting nearly 200 villagers to rush for precautionary anti-rabies vaccination. The incident took place in Pipraul village, under the Ujhani area, where residents had earlier consumed milk from the same buffalo during a community feast. According to villagers, a terahvin ritual was organised on December 23, during which a large number of people from the village gathered for a meal. Raita prepared using milk from the buffalo was served and consumed by men, women, and children alike. At the time, there was no indication that the animal was ill, and the feast passed without concern. However, days later, villagers came to know that the buffalo had earlier been bitten by a dog suspected to be rabid. Soon after, the animal reportedly began showing unusual behaviour and symptoms believed to be linked to rabies. The buffalo died on December 26, triggering panic among residents who had consumed the milk-based raita during the feast. As news of the buffalo’s death spread, fear gripped the village. Many residents began worrying about the possibility of rabies infection, even though the milk had been used in cooked food. On Saturday, villagers in large numbers reached the Ujhani Community Health Centre, requesting preventive rabies vaccination. Local residents said almost the entire village had attended the ritual and eaten the raita. Jashoda, a villager, said fear spread quickly once people learned about the dog bite and the buffalo’s death. Dharampal, another resident, said villagers believed the buffalo had turned rabid after the bite, and no one wanted to take any health risks. Kaushal Kumar echoed similar concerns, saying people preferred vaccination over living in fear. Health department officials responded swiftly after being informed about the situation. Medical teams reached the village, spoke to residents, and explained the facts related to rabies transmission. They also carried out preventive vaccinations for those who felt at risk. Chief Medical Officer Dr Rameshwar Mishra confirmed that the department had received information about the buffalo being bitten by a suspected rabid dog and its milk being consumed earlier. He said villagers were advised to take anti-rabies vaccines purely as a precautionary measure. “Prevention is always better than cure,” Dr Mishra said. He added that rabies transmission through boiled or cooked milk is generally considered unlikely. However, he explained that taking preventive vaccination in cases of doubt does not cause harm and helps reduce fear among people. “Living in constant fear is not advisable. If there is even a remote chance of risk, taking precautionary steps is justified,” he said. Officials said all villagers who approached the health centre with concerns were vaccinated. The health department also clarified that no illness or symptoms related to rabies have been reported in the village so far. The overall situation remains under control. Authorities said the area is being closely monitored to prevent panic or the spread of rumours. Health teams have been instructed to remain alert and continue awareness efforts so that villagers rely on verified medical advice rather than fear. Rabies is a serious viral disease, usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. While human infection commonly occurs through bites or scratches, experts say food-based transmission is extremely rare. Even so, the health department emphasised that timely information and preventive care are key to maintaining public confidence. The incident highlights how quickly fear can spread in rural areas during health-related incidents, especially when animals and community gatherings are involved. Officials have urged residents to stay calm, follow medical guidance, and report any unusual symptoms immediately, while assuring them that there is no cause for alarm at Panic in Budaun Village After Rabid Dog Bites Buffalo, About 200 Residents Take Preventive Rabies Vaccination Panic spread in Pipraul village of Uttar Pradesh’s Budaun district after a buffalo died days after being bitten by a suspected rabid dog. The incident led nearly 200 villagers to rush for precautionary anti-rabies vaccination, fearing possible infection after consuming milk from the same animal during a community feast. According to villagers, a terahvin ritual was organised on December 23, where a large gathering took place. Raita prepared using milk from the buffalo was served to men, women and children. At that time, no one suspected any health risk. However, days later, it came to light that the buffalo had been bitten by a dog earlier and later showed unusual symptoms before dying on December 26. The news of the buffalo’s death created fear among residents who had consumed the raita. Worried about their health, villagers in large numbers reached the Ujhani Community Health Centre on Saturday and requested preventive vaccination. Many said they did not want to take any chances, even if the risk was small. Health department teams quickly reached the village, counselled residents and explained that rabies transmission through cooked or boiled milk is generally unlikely. Still, doctors advised vaccination as a precautionary step to reduce fear and ensure safety. Chief Medical Officer Dr Rameshwar Mishra said all those who expressed concern were given anti-rabies vaccines. He added that no illness has been reported in the village so far and the situation remains normal. Officials are monitoring the area to prevent panic or rumours. The incident shows how quickly fear can spread during health scares and highlights the importance of timely medical advice and preventive care.