Bihar has just lately witnessed an alarming surge in canine chew circumstances, with knowledge from the state’s latest financial survey revealing a staggering improve of greater than 200 instances in comparison with the earlier 12 months. The Bihar Economic Survey (2023–24), launched by the state authorities, has recognized canine bites as probably the most prevalent well being concern, elevating issues about public security and potential well being dangers.
Stark Increase in Cases
According to the report, the overall variety of folks affected by canine bites within the 12 months 2022–23 reached a staggering 2,07,181, in stark distinction to the 9,809 circumstances reported within the previous 12 months (2021–22). This surge highlights a mean of 600 folks falling sufferer to canine bites every single day in Bihar. The report additionally supplies a district-wise breakdown of the incidents, with the state capital, Patna, reporting the very best variety of canine chew incidents at 22,599 within the years 2022–23. Other districts considerably affected embrace Nalanda (17,074), Gopalganj (15,253), Vaishali (13,110), West Champaran (11,291), and East Champaran (9,975).
Concerns About Rabies and Public Safety
Despite the regarding rise in canine chew circumstances, the report didn’t specify the variety of rabies circumstances sometimes transmitted by bites from contaminated animals, together with dogs. Rabies is a doubtlessly deadly illness, and the lack of expertise on its prevalence raises issues about public security. Authorities in Bihar are taking steps to deal with the difficulty. Animesh Kumar Parashar, Patna Municipal Commissioner, acknowledged the issue and expressed plans to accentuate efforts to regulate the stray canine inhabitants. Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Anand of Nalanda, the district with the second-highest variety of incidents, additionally emphasised ongoing drives in opposition to stray dogs.
Calls for Effective Measures
Medical practitioners and animal welfare advocates have expressed concern over the rise in canine chew incidents and emphasised the necessity for complete measures. Dr. Manoj Kumar from Patna urged authorities to deal with the difficulty severely, highlighting the potential transmission of rabies via bites and scratches.
Alokparna Sengupta, Managing Director for Humane Society International/India, emphasised the significance of controlling human-animal battle to curb canine chew incidents. She additionally burdened the efficient implementation of the Animal Birth Control Program, which goals to handle stray canine populations humanely.
