200 people consume milk from dog-bitten buffalo

Panic gripped a village in Uttar Pradesh after nearly 200 people were feared to be at risk of rabies following the consumption of curd prepared from the milk of a buffalo that later died after being bitten by a rabid dog.
The incident occurred during a mourning ceremony held in the village on December 23, where food was served to attendees.
A curd-based side dish was prepared using milk obtained from a buffalo owned by a villager.
Officials later confirmed that the animal had been bitten by a suspected rabid dog a few days before the event.
On December 26, the buffalo died suddenly, exhibiting symptoms associated with rabies.
This triggered alarm among villagers who had consumed food made from its milk, fearing possible transmission of the deadly virus.
District health authorities rushed to the village after being informed and identified all individuals who had consumed the curd. As a precautionary measure, anti-rabies vaccination was administered to around 200 people.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Rameshwar Mishra said that the likelihood of rabies transmission through consumption of properly boiled milk is extremely low.
However, vaccination was carried out purely as a safety measure.
He added that none of the vaccinated individuals have shown any symptoms so far and their health is being closely monitored.
Health officials said the situation is under control, but the incident has caused widespread concern in the village, prompting authorities to step up awareness about rabies prevention and animal bite management.