World · India Bureau
Rabies transmission through dairy products unlikely, health experts clarify
Following concerns raised in Uttar Pradesh about rabies spread through curd and dairy products, health authorities have clarified that the virus primarily transmits through animal bites and scratches rather than food consumption.
LSN India ·
Rabies remains a significant public health concern across India, yet misinformation about its transmission routes continues to circulate, particularly in rural areas. The viral infection spreads predominantly through the saliva of infected mammals when they bite or scratch a person, allowing the pathogen to enter the human body through broken skin or mucous membranes.
The possibility of contracting rabies through dairy products such as curd is extremely remote, according to medical consensus. The rabies virus is highly sensitive to stomach acid and digestive enzymes, which break down the virus before it can cause infection through the gastrointestinal tract. Health experts emphasize that pasteurization and standard food handling practices provide additional safeguards against any theoretical risk.
Dogs account for up to 99 percent of rabies-related deaths in Asia, making animal control and post-exposure prophylaxis critical intervention points. Individuals bitten or scratched by animals suspected of carrying rabies should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, followed by urgent medical attention for vaccination and immunoglobulin administration.
Authorities in affected regions continue to stress the importance of accurate information regarding disease transmission. Public awareness campaigns remain essential to prevent unnecessary panic while encouraging genuine precautions against animal-related exposure, the primary risk factor for rabies infection.