Around 450 people in two villages in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur district have received anti-rabies vaccinations after consuming charanamrit prepared using milk from a cow suspected of having rabies.
The incident raised concerns among residents and prompted the Health Department to organise a vaccination drive as a precautionary measure. According to media reports, the situation came to light after the animal displayed unusual behaviour and died.
Cow’s death triggers rabies scare in Gorakhpur
The cow had reportedly appeared unwell for one or two days before its condition deteriorated. The owner subsequently consulted private veterinarians who suspected that the animal had been bitten by a stray dog. However, the possibility of rabies was not confirmed, according to various media outlets. Nevertheless, it caused concern among villagers who had consumed charanamrit prepared from the cow’s milk.
The milk had also reportedly been supplied to two local shops and several households, adding to residents’ concerns about possible exposure.
Following the incident, residents began seeking anti-rabies vaccines at local health facilities. It has been reported that approximately 450 people had received anti-rabies vaccinations.
Can rabies spread through milk from an infected cow?
Rabies is a serious viral disease that primarily spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through bites. Infection can also occur when infected saliva comes into contact with broken skin or the eyes, nose or mouth.
As per the National Center for Disease Control, there are no evidence-based reports of human rabies arising from consumption of milk, including breast milk, or cooked meat. However, consuming the meat or milk of a rabid animal is strongly discouraged. There is no laboratory or epidemiological evidence to show that rabies is transmitted via the consumption of milk or milk products. Therefore, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is not required for consuming any milk or milk products from rabies-infected animals.
