On July 6, 2025, India marked World Zoonoses Day with a nationwide push to combat rabies, a deadly zoonotic disease, through extensive vaccination drives and awareness campaigns. Commemorating Louis Pasteur’s historic first rabies vaccination in 1885, the day saw significant efforts across states to vaccinate both stray and pet dogs, aligning with the government’s goal to eliminate rabies deaths by 2030.
In Andhra Pradesh, the Department of Animal Husbandry launched a massive campaign to administer 5.37 lakh free anti-rabies vaccines to dogs across government veterinary institutions, with an estimated expenditure of ₹75 lakh. In Kadapa district alone, 17,000 doses were made available, urging pet owners to act swiftly.
In Hyderabad, government-run veterinary hospitals organized free vaccination camps for pets and stray animals, emphasizing rabies prevention and public awareness. Similarly, Vijayawada Municipal Corporation collaborated with local organizations to provide free anti-rabies shots. In Mangaldai, Assam, the NGO ‘Furry Friends’ partnered with the State Veterinary Hospital to vaccinate 30 dogs, followed by an awareness session highlighting the significance of July 6.
Indian Immunologicals Ltd also contributed significantly, administering one lakh free anti-rabies vaccine doses nationwide, reinforcing the “One Health” approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. In Chennai, the Directorate of Public Health ensured round-the-clock rabies vaccinations at primary healthcare centers, addressing the rising dog bite cases and 18 reported rabies deaths in Tamil Nadu in 2025.
Despite a 75% decline in rabies-related deaths, India still faces challenges, with approximately 5,700 annual deaths and 9 million animal bite cases, two-thirds from dogs. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) emphasises a focused One Health strategy to meet the 2030 zero-death target, highlighting the need for improved vaccine availability and timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). These initiatives underscore India’s commitment to rabies control, combining vaccination drives with education to protect communities and honor World Zoonoses Day’s mission of preventing zoonotic diseases.
