Bihar reported a rise of over 20 times in dog bite cases as compared to that of the last year, the data released by the state's Economic Survey (2023-24) cites, identifying 'dog bite' as the most widespread disease in the state.
On average number, 600 individuals suffer a dog bite in Bihar every day, according to the official data of the survey. At least 2,07,181 people were victims of dog bites in the year 2022-23 whereas the total number was just 9,809 in the year 2021-22, the data reveals.
Meanwhile, the second most prevalent disease, as per the report, was cases of malaria in the state, with 45,532 cases of malaria in 2022-23, the report said.
The report, however, did not mention the number of rabies cases usually transmitted by a bite from an infected animal, including dogs.
According to the World Health Organisation report, "Dogs are the main source of human rabies deaths, contributing up to 99 per cent of all rabies transmissions to humans. The incubation period for rabies is typically 2–3 months but may vary from one week to one year, depending on factors such as the location of virus entry and the viral load".
Dog bite cases reported in Bihar's cities and districts:
- Patna - 22,599 (highest in Bihar in the year 2022-23),
- Nalanda (17,074),
- Gopalganj (15,253),
- Vaishali (13,110),
- West Champaran (11,291),
- East Champaran (9,975),
- Madhubani (8,401),
- Araria (6,710),
- Nawada - 6,234,
- Sitamarhi (6,198),
- Jamui (5,851),
- Jehanabad (5,683),
- Bhojpur (5,323),
- Madhepura (5,169),
- Darbhanga (5,023), etc.
The districts which witnessed less than 2,000 reported dog bite incidents in 2022-23 include Kaimur (33), Aurangabad (435), Buxar (686), Muzaffarpur (1,258) and Khagaria (1,916).
In January 2023 a stray dog allegedly went on a biting spree and attacked more than 80 people in Bihar's Arrah in Bhojpur district.
Commenting on the state capital (Patna) reporting the highest number of dog bite incidents, Animesh Kumar Parashar, Patna Municipal Commissioner (PMC), told, "We are aware of the fact and will soon intensify our drive to check such this menace as per the existing norms. The PMC is also going to engage non-government organisations for the purpose".
Echoing a similar view, Shekhar Anand, Municipal Commissioner, Nalanda, the district which reported the second highest number of dog bite incidents in Bihar, told, "We have our dedicated and trained team of municipal employees to curb his menace. We have already intensified the drive against the stray dogs in the city".
Expressing his concern over the stray dog menace in the state, Patna-based medical practitioner, Dr Manoj Kumar, stated, "The survey report should have mentioned the number of rabies cases usually transmitted by a bite from an infected animal, including dog. How can dog bite incidents be termed as a disease? Rabies is a disease …it's a dangerous virus that causes brain inflammation. Animals can spread rabies to humans through bites and scratches".
The incubation period for rabies may vary from one week to one year, he said, adding authorities concerned must take adequate measures to check incidents of dog bites in the state.
Managing Director for Humane Society International/India Alokparna Sengupta said, "Authorities concerned in Bihar must work on controlling human-animal conflict to curb incidents of dog bites. Besides, the government must work towards effectively implementing the Animal Birth Control Programme in the state which will certainly help in curbing dog bite incidents.
"The Prevention of Cruelty (Animal Birth Control) Rules 2023 rules have already been notified by the central government to address these challenges".
The new rules give a humane approach that balances out the welfare of dogs while taking into consideration the concerns of humans, she added.
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