Nearly 200 Villagers Take Rabies Shots After Consuming Raita Made From Infected Buffalo Milk In UP

Almost 200 residents of Uttar Pradesh’s Piprauli village were given anti-rabies vaccines as a precaution after they ate a dish at a funeral. It was prepared using milk from a buffalo that later died of suspected

rabies.

The incident came to light after villagers realised that the raita, a curd-based dish served during a funeral ceremony on December 23, was made using milk from a buffalo that had been bitten by a dog a few days earlier. The animal died on December 26, triggering fear and panic among locals who had consumed the food.

This triggered concern over the possible risk of infection, leading to the villagers approaching the Ujhani Community Health Centre, where they were administered rabies vaccines as a preventive step.

Speaking about the same, Chief Medical Officer Rameshwar Mishra said health authorities had received information that the buffalo showed symptoms of rabies before its death.

“It was reported that the villagers had consumed ‘infected’ raaita. As a precaution, everyone was advised to get a rabies injection,” Mishra said.

He added that while boiling milk usually kills the rabies virus, the health department decided not to take any chances.

“Prevention is better than cure. Everyone who had any doubts was given the anti-rabies vaccine. Normally, there is no risk of rabies after boiling the milk, but the vaccination was done to prevent any potential risk,” Mishra said.

According to the health department, no illness has been reported in the village so far, and the situation remains under control. To ensure easy access to treatment, the Ujhani Community Health Centre and nearby primary health facilities were kept open on both Saturday and Sunday.

The CMO said that anyone who came forward was immediately vaccinated and that medical teams are continuing to monitor the village closely. He added that officials are also working to prevent the spread of rumours or unnecessary panic.

Villager Dharmpal said the fear began after people learned about the buffalo’s condition.

“The buffalo was bitten by a dog, due to which it fell ill and later died. The fear of infection arose because the ‘raaita’ was made from the milk of that same buffalo, so they got the rabies injection,” he said.

The health officials reassured residents that there is no confirmed case of rabies transmission in the village and urged people to rely only on verified information.

(With inputs from agency)