Increased Rabies Cases: Rabid kittens and dogs can increase the number of rabies cases in both animals and humans. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention critical.
Public Health Concerns: Human exposure to rabies through bites or scratches from rabid animals necessitates post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which is costly and stressful.
Wildlife Impact: Rabid domestic animals can transmit the virus to wildlife, complicating eradication efforts and increasing the risk of further spread.
Vaccination Programs: Continuous monitoring and vaccination of domestic animals are crucial. Lapses in vaccination can lead to outbreaks, undoing previous successes.
Human Fatalities: India reports a high number of human rabies deaths annually, primarily due to bites from rabid dogs. Public awareness and access to PEP are critical for reducing fatalities.
Stray Animal Population: India's large population of stray dogs and cats poses a significant challenge for rabies control. Stray animals are less likely to be vaccinated, increasing the risk of rabies transmission.