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New Delhi: Around 200 residents of Budauni village in Uttar Pradesh got themselves vaccinated after discovering that they had consumed raita made from the milk of a buffalo that had died of rabies. The buffalo had sustained a dog bite a few days prior.
The revelation sparked fear in the village, prompting residents to visit the Ujhani Community Health Centre for anti-rabies vaccination. Although experts stated that boiling the milk would have neutralized the virus, villagers opted for vaccination to minimize even minimal risks.
On December 23, a funeral ceremony was held in the village where raita was served. It was later discovered that the buffalo whose milk had been used was bitten by a dog days earlier and died on December 26, triggering panic among villagers. Fearing potential infection, they rushed to the health centre for vaccination.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rameshwar Mishra said on Sunday that they had received information about the buffalo being bitten by a rabid dog and subsequently dying from rabies. “The villagers had consumed the raita made from the infected milk. As a precaution, everyone was advised to get a rabies injection,” he added. “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.
The health department confirmed that no disease has spread in the village so far and that the situation remains under control.
The CMO added that anyone who came for the anti-rabies injection was immediately administered the vaccine at the Ujhani Community Health Centre, which remained open on both Saturday and Sunday. The village continues to be monitored as a precaution to prevent rumors or panic.
Villager Dharmpal said that the buffalo’s illness and subsequent death following a dog bite caused fear in the community, as the raita had been made from its milk. “That’s why we decided to get the rabies injection,” he said.
