Daijiworld Media Network – Pune

Pune, Aug 5: In a major boost to public health and animal welfare, Pune has witnessed a dramatic drop in rabies cases among stray dogs, according to recent data released by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

Figures from 2018 to August 4, show a consistent decline in both suspected and confirmed rabies cases. While 373 suspected cases were reported in 2018, only 19 have been recorded so far this year. Confirmed rabies cases have seen a steeper fall — from 220 in 2018 to just 3 in 2025.

Civic health officials also noted a substantial dip in the positivity rate — the percentage of suspected dogs testing positive for rabies — which stood at a worrying 75% during 2020 and 2021, but has now dropped to 15% in 2025.

Dr Sarika Funde-Bhosale, Chief Veterinary Officer, PMC, credited this improvement to large-scale vaccination campaigns, effective awareness drives, and robust implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme. “In the past four years, we have administered over 1.91 lakh doses of anti-rabies vaccines to stray and community dogs,” she said.

Explaining the city’s strategy, officials said that any dog suspected of carrying rabies is picked up by the PMC dog squad and kept under observation at the quarantine facility. If the dog tests negative, it is released back into its locality. In the case of a death, brain samples are tested twice — using both rapid antigen and PCR tests — to confirm rabies.

Following any confirmed case, immediate mass vaccination and awareness drives are conducted in the affected areas to contain the spread.

“Our efforts have not only curbed rabies cases but have also heightened public awareness on reporting dog bites and seeking timely medical care,” Dr Funde-Bhosale added.

The success is being seen as a model for other cities aiming to control zoonotic diseases through coordinated public health initiatives.