Rabies scare in UP: 'Raita' made from dog-bitten buffalo’s milk sends 200 to hospital
Nearly 200 residents of Piprauli village in Uttar Pradesh received anti-rabies vaccinations as a precaution after consuming raita made from the milk of a buffalo that later died of suspected rabies. The buffalo had reportedly been bitten by a rabid dog, prompting health officials to administer vaccines to prevent any potential risk, though no disease has spread so far.
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BUDAUN: Nearly 200 residents of Piprauli village in Uttar Pradesh’s Budaun district were given anti-rabies vaccines as a precaution after learning that raita served at a funeral was prepared using milk from a buffalo that later died of suspected rabies.Villagers said a funeral ceremony was held on December 23, during which raita was served. A few days later, it emerged that the buffalo whose milk had been used had been bitten by a dog earlier. The buffalo died on December 26, triggering panic in the village over possible infection, according to news agency PTI.
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Following this, villagers reached the Ujhani community health centre and got vaccinated.Chief Medical Officer Dr Rameshwar Mishra said on Sunday that authorities received information that the buffalo had been bitten by a rabid dog and had shown symptoms of rabies before its death.
It was also reported that villagers had consumed raita made from the animal’s milk."Prevention is better than cure. Everyone who had any doubts was given the anti-rabies vaccine. Normally, there is no risk of rabies after boiling the milk, but the vaccination was done to prevent any potential risk," he added.The health department said no disease has spread in the village so far and the situation is completely normal.
The CMO added that anyone who approached the Ujhani Community Health Centre was immediately given the vaccine. The primary health centre and community health centre were kept open on both Saturday and Sunday for this purpose.He also said the village is being monitored to prevent the spread of rumours or panic.Villager Dharmpal said that the buffalo was bitten by a dog, due to which it fell ill and later died. The fear of infection arose because the 'raaita' was made from the milk of that same buffalo, so they got the rabies injection.