Dog Bites Emerge as Bihar’s Biggest Health Concern; 776 People Attacked Daily

Patna, Bihar: Bihar’s Economic Survey 2025–26 has revealed a startling rise in dog bite cases, marking it as the state’s most widespread health issue. During 2024–25, over 2.83 lakh incidents of dog bites were reported across the state, averaging 776 people bitten every day—an increase of nearly 39,000 cases compared to the previous year.

According to the survey, presented in the Bihar Assembly, dog bites now surpass all other illnesses in terms of prevalence. In 2024–25, a total of 2,83,274 people were victims of dog bites, compared to 2,44,367 in 2023–24. While the report does not specify rabies cases, the disease is commonly spread through bites from infected animals, especially dogs.

District-wise Data

Patna recorded the highest number of cases at 29,280, followed by East Champaran (24,452), Nalanda (19,637), Gopalganj (18,879), West Champaran (17,820), Jehanabad (12,900), Gaya (10,794), Bhojpur (10,496), Purnia (10,373), and Vaishali (10,155). Districts with the fewest cases—under 2,000—include Rohtas (1,967), Supaul (1,878), Khagaria (1,565), and Aurangabad (467).

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) or influenza-like illnesses were identified as the second most common health issue, with 31,025 cases recorded in the same period.

Rabies and Snakebites: A Serious Concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that rabies, transmitted through bites from dogs, cats, bats, or monkeys, remains a major global health threat. An estimated 59,000 deaths occur annually worldwide due to rabies, most resulting from dog bites. Vaccination immediately after exposure can prevent fatalities, but once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.

The survey also highlighted snakebites as a significant health hazard, with 138 deaths reported in Bihar during 2024–25.

The survey underscores an urgent need for stronger animal control measures, public awareness, and timely medical intervention to curb these preventable deaths.