APCRI Journal (E-ISSN: 0973-5038)

Tanushree Mondal — 2025-06-16

Shrikrishna Isloor — 2025-06-16

Elimination of Dog-mediated Human Rabies by 2030 from India: A Cross-sectional Online Survey to Assess the Awareness of Rabies Elimination Strategies among Members Affiliated with the Association for Prevention and Control of Rabies in India

Ashwath Narayana D H — 2025-06-16

Introduction: In December 2015, the World Health Organization gave a global call for the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. In accordance with this, on 28th September, 2021 the Government of India launched the National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Human Rabies Elimination from India by 2030.
Objective: To study the awareness of rabies elimination strategies among medical & veterinary professionals affiliated with the Association for Prevention and Control of Rabies in India regarding rabies prophylaxis,
prevention of dog rabies, and elimination of dog-mediated human rabies by 2030 from India.
Methods: A pretested Google questionnaire consisting of 10 questions was sent via WhatsApp group of 267 members affiliated with APCRI, of whom 108 responded, yielding a response rate of 40.4% in June 2023.
Results: The median age of respondents was 48 years, the majority were males (66%) and medical professionals (74%). 88% responded that they were aware that intradermal rabies vaccination is as effective as intramuscular rabies vaccination, and 72% mentioned that rabies monoclonal antibodies are as good as rabies immunoglobulin. 82% responded that mass dog vaccination is an effective method for the elimination of rabies in dog populations. 82% mentioned that rabies vaccines should be supplied free of cost under the Universal
Immunization Programme. However, only 32% of respondents were confident of India eliminating dog mediated human rabies by 2030.
Conclusion: The awareness among members affiliated with APCRI regarding rabies prophylaxis and prevention of dog rabies is satisfactory but diverse with respect to the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies by 2030 from India.

How to cite this article:

Narayana D H A, Poornima M K, Sudarshan M K. Elimination of Dog-mediated Human Rabies by 2030 from India: A Cross-sectional Online Survey to Assess the Awareness of Rabies Elimination
Strategies among Members Affiliated with the Association for Prevention and Control of Rabies in India. APCRI J. 2025; 27(1): 5-11.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202506

Clinico-Demographic Profile and Trend of Animal Bite Cases Attending an Anti-Rabies Clinic in a Rural District in the Sub-Himalayan Region of North India: A Record-Based Descriptive Study

Atul Gupta — 2025-06-16

India Needs a Novel Public-Private Partnership Program to Expand Surgical Dog Population Management to Support Canine Rabies Control Work

Ilona Airikkala-Otter — 2025-06-16

Rabies in Institutional Livestock: A Case Report and Occupational Risk Assessment

Tinku Das — 2025-06-16

This report is about rabies in a cow maintained for research purposes in the Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, highlighting a significant occupational hazard for veterinary personnel. The cow, intended for experimental studies,
developed clinical signs consistent with rabies, including behavioral changes and progressive neurological deterioration, with no history of dog bite. Laboratory confirmation was obtained through Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) and Direct Fluorescent Antibody Assay (DFA), establishing rabies virus infection. This case underscores the risk of zoonotic disease exposure even in non-traditional settings, emphasizing the importance
of rigorous biosecurity measures, routine animal vaccination, and pre-exposure prophylaxis for veterinarians and advocates for comprehensive surveillance and enhanced occupational safety protocols in research environments to mitigate the risk of rabies transmission, thereby protecting both human health and animal welfare.

How to cite this article:
Das T, Dutta J B, Goswami S. Rabies in Institutional Livestock: A Case Report and Occupational Risk Assessment. APCRI J. 2025; 27(1): 23-27.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202504

Ramkumar P K — 2025-06-16

Epidemiological Factors Contributing to an Outbreak of Rabies in Domesticated Mules and Effectiveness of Control Measures in Prevention of Spread of Disease to Animal Handlers: A Longitudinal Descriptive Study

Shubhralok Sinha — 2025-06-16

Introduction: Rabies is responsible for an estimated 59,000 human deaths and over 3.7 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost every year. India accounts for 59.9% of rabies deaths in Asia and 35% of deaths globally. Rabies deaths in humans are 100% preventable through prompt and appropriate medical care.
Objectives: To study the epidemiological factors comprising host, agent, and environment in the onset of rabies in domesticated mules and determine the effectiveness of control measures such as awarenessraising health talks and immunization in the prevention of the spread of disease to the animal handlers.
Methods: A rabies outbreak was reported by the local veterinary authorities among domesticated mules on a farm located in the Binnaguri District of West Bengal. An epidemiological investigation was carried out to find out the source of infection among mules and animal handlers at risk and to institute containment measures to prevent the spread of disease among animals and animal handlers.
Results: The source of infection in mules was stray animals such as wild foxes and wild dogs, which acted as reservoirs of the infection. Risk assessment among the animal handlers indicated that the majority had Category I exposure. Isolation and containment measures were instituted for all animals at the farm, and the animal handlers were immunized with anti-rabies vaccine and immunoglobulins based on their risk profile.
Conclusion: The best way of reducing mortality due to rabies is its prevention. Immediate vaccination coupled with health education to improve KAP of animal handlers forms the cornerstone for prevention of the disease in humans.

How to cite this article:
Sinha S, Sandhu N K. Epidemiological Factors Contributing to an Outbreak of Rabies in Domesticated Mules and Effectiveness of Control Measures in Prevention of Spread of Disease to Animal Handlers: A Longitudinal Descriptive Study. APCRI J. 2025; 27(1): 35-39.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202501