**Executive Summary**
This document is an answer to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha regarding rabies cases, scheduled for December 12, 2025. It outlines measures undertaken by the Government of India to address the increasing number of rabies cases. These measures include strengthening post-bite treatment facilities, launching awareness campaigns, and the implementation of the "National Action Plan For Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE)".
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Rabies Control Programs and Strategies:**
* Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease addressed by the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP).
* NRCP strategies include training on animal bite management, surveillance, intersectoral coordination, strengthening surveillance of Animal Bites, provision of procurement of Anti-Rabies Vaccine for animal bite victims, and awareness campaigns through Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities.
* **Role of State/Union Territory Governments:**
* Strengthening public healthcare systems is the responsibility of State/Union Territory Governments.
* The Ministry provides technical and financial support through the National Health Mission (NHM), based on submitted Program Implementation Plans (PIPs) and resource availability.
* **National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE):**
* NAPRE has been launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare with the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
* Implementation details are available at: [https://rabiesfreeindia.mohfw.gov.in/resources/uploads/PageContentPdf/169391359514.pdf](https://rabiesfreeindia.mohfw.gov.in/resources/uploads/PageContentPdf/169391359514.pdf)
* **Animal Birth Control:**
* The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying has framed Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, mandating Local Authorities to establish infrastructure for Animal Birth Control Centers.
* **Financial Assistance for Anti-Rabies Vaccine:**
* The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying financially assists States for the purchase of anti-rabies vaccine under the 'Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases' (ASCAD) component of Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), based on demand and action plans.
**Impact Analysis**
**State/Union Territory Governments**
* **Impact:** Responsible for strengthening public healthcare systems for rabies prevention and control. Can receive technical and financial support from the Ministry through NHM.
* **Action Required:** Submit Program Implementation Plans (PIPs) to the Ministry for funding and support related to rabies control activities.
**Local Authorities**
* **Impact:** Mandated to establish infrastructure for Animal Birth Control Centers.
* **Action Required:** Establish infrastructure for Animal Birth Control Centers as per the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
**Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying**
* **Impact:** Plays a significant role in framing animal birth control rules, financially assisting States for the purchase of anti-rabies vaccine.
* **Action Required:** Continue to provide financial assistance to States for purchasing anti-rabies vaccines under the ASCAD component of LHDCP.
**Citizens**
* **Impact:** To benefit from better access to anti-rabies vaccines and treatment, increased awareness of rabies prevention.
* **Action Required:** Raise awareness of the programme and associated information.
Key Entities Referenced
National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP): A program for prevention and control of Rabies which includes training on animal bite management, surveillance, and provision of Anti-Rabies Vaccine.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare: The central ministry responsible for launching the National Action Plan For Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination and providing support to states for healthcare system strengthening.
National Action Plan For Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE): A plan launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare along with the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying to effectively control rabies.
Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023: Rules framed by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, mandating local authorities to establish infrastructure for Animal Birth Control Centers.
Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP): A program under which the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying financially assists states for the purchase of anti-rabies vaccine through the component ‘Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases' (ASCAD).
GOVERNMENTOFINDIA
MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE
DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 2098
TOBE ANSWERED ON12.12.2025
RABIES CASES
2098.SHRIRAJAA:
Willthe MINISTER OFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE be pleasedtostate:-
(a) whether the Government is aware of the increasing number of rabies cases in the country
andthe risk it poses topublic healthandif so, the details thereof;
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to strengthen post-bite treatment facilities and
ensure availability of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin in the country, particularly in
TamilNadu;
(c)whether anyspecial awareness campaignsonpublic healthdriveshave been launchedwith
the guidelines and training materials to prevent rabies in urban and rural areas of the country;
and
(d) if so, the detailsthereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRYOFHEALTH & FAMILY
WELFARE
(SHRIPRATAPRAOJADHAV)
(a) to (d) Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that causes encephalitis in human s and other
mammals. Under National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) for prevention and control of
Rabies, strategies includes training on appropriate animal bite management, surveillance and
intersectoral coordination, strengthening surveillance of Animal Bites, provision of
procurement of Anti-Rabies Vaccine for animal bite victims through the National Free Drug
Initiative andInformation, Education& Communication(IEC) activities tocreateawareness.
Health is a State subject and the responsibility of strengthening public healthcare
system lies with the respective State/ Union Territory Governments. Under National Health
Mission (NHM), the Ministry provides technical and financial support to States/ Union
Territory for strengthening their healthcaresystems based on the proposals submitted by them
intheirProgramImplementation Plans(PIPs),subject tonorms & availability of resources.
Further, to effectively control Rabies, “National Action Plan For Dog Mediated
Rabies Elimination (NAPRE)” has been launched by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
alongwith Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. Thedetailsof implementation of activitiesunderNAPRE canbe accessed at-
https://rabiesfreeindia.mohfw.gov.in/resources/uploads/PageContentPdf/169391359514.pdf
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal
Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India has framed Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
According to the said Rules, the Local Authorities are mandated for establishment of
infrastructure for the Animal Birth Control Centers.
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal
Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India is financially assisting States for purchase of
anti- rabies vaccine under the component ‘Assistance to States for Control of Animal
Diseases’ (ASCAD) of Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) as per the
demandandactionplan receivedfrom States.
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