With the stray dog population on the rise, experts say measures to control births and vaccinate dogs against rabies remain challenging. | Photo credit: SR RAGHUNATHAN
The numbers tell a disturbing story in Tamil Nadu this year. In just four months of 2026, the state recorded 2.63 lakh dog bites and 17 rabies deaths, up from last year’s 6.25 lakh bites and half of last year’s 34 deaths.
Figures from the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine show 62,000 dog bite cases each in January and February, rising to 71,000 in March and falling slightly to 68,000 in April.
Growing concern
Dog bites continue to be a growing problem across the state, with Chennai, Salem, Tiruchi and Dindigul districts reporting higher numbers. There have been repeated calls for permanent measures to control the stray dog population, to strengthen the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program and to improve coverage of dog rabies vaccinations.
A. Somasundaram, director of public health and preventive medicine, said the number of cases in the state has increased marginally. “There is no specific treatment or medicine for rabies and it is 100% fatal. That is the challenge. The only tool to prevent rabies is vaccination,” he said.
Awareness of rabies vaccination is better and compliance has improved, he added. “The health department focuses on proper wound washing, administration of rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin based on bite categorization. Wound washing plays a vital role. The virus is spherical in shape and travels along the nerve pathways. Prompt and thorough washing of the wound is the first step to reduce the risk of infection. For deep wounds and areas at risk on the hand, rabies immune globulin is also given. The face, because the virus can quickly travel to the brain,” he explained.
With the stray dog population on the rise, animal birth control (ABC) measures and dog rabies vaccinations remain challenging, experts say. “Veterinarians with the help of local authorities need to vaccinate the dogs, while ABC measures should be taken by the local authorities,” the official said.
Monitoring defaulters
VAT, for its part, is intensifying the monitoring of non-payers. “We follow people who take the first dose of the vaccine to ensure that they complete the course. We also need to raise awareness about protecting children and not leaving them outside unattended. Many believe that nothing will happen if they are bitten by dogs, but it is important to understand that vaccination against rabies is mandatory,” said Dr. Somasundaram.
S. Chandrasekar, Professor and Head, Department of Medicine, Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, also emphasized the need to protect children who are more vulnerable. “No animal bite should be ignored. Prevention is key. It is important to go to the nearest health facility and get vaccinated. Category III bites (transdermal bites or scratches, licking of broken skin) should be given anti-rabies immunoglobulin,” he said.
Published – 06 May 2026 19:58 IST
