Hydrophobia cases and post-exposure anti-rabic vaccines in Ranchi, Bihar (1979-84)

Rabies is endemic in India. The status of Rabies at the national level is difficult to present because of inadequate reporting system. However, a national awareness has been created over the years (Anonym 1968, 1970, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1983, 1984a and 1984b). National Canine Rabies Control Programme finalised by the National Committee on Zoonoses has been taken up recently by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Use of mass communication media like newspaper, radio and television has also been started. The department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology started working on Rabies in 1979. Observations of the first six years constitute this paper.