‘Raita’ scare in UP’s Budaun: Rabid buffalo dies, 200+ people given anti-rabies shots

Vaccine

• 200 Piprauli villagers got rabies shots after consuming buffalo milk raita.
• No rabies cases reported; health centers stayed open for quick vaccination
• Authorities say boiled milk poses minimal rabies risk but acted as a precaution

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Around 200 residents of Piprauli village in Uttar Pradesh’s Budaun district were given anti-rabies vaccines as a precaution after it was found that raita served at a funeral had been prepared using milk from a buffalo that later died of suspected rabies.

According to villagers, a funeral ceremony was held on December 23, during which raita was served to those attending. A few days later, concerns arose when it came to light that the buffalo whose milk was used had earlier been bitten by a dog. The animal reportedly fell ill and died on December 26, triggering panic among villagers over a possible risk of rabies infection, PTI reported.

Following the incident, a large number of villagers went to the Ujhani Community Health Centre to seek medical advice and vaccination. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Rameshwar Mishra said authorities were informed that the buffalo had been bitten by a suspected rabid dog and had shown symptoms of rabies before its death.

“It was reported that some villagers had consumed raita made from the buffalo’s milk. As a precautionary measure, anti-rabies vaccines were administered to all those who had any doubts or concerns,” Dr Mishra said.

He added that there is usually no risk of rabies transmission after milk is properly boiled, but vaccination was carried out to rule out any possible danger. “Prevention is better than cure,” he said.

The health department clarified that no case of rabies or any other disease has been reported from the village so far and the situation remains normal. To ensure quick medical support, both the primary health centre and the community health centre were kept open on Saturday and Sunday, and vaccines were provided immediately to everyone who approached the facilities.

Dr Mishra also said the village is being closely monitored to prevent the spread of rumours and unnecessary panic. Villager Dharmpal said fear spread after people learned that the buffalo bitten by a dog had died and its milk had been used to prepare raita, prompting residents to get vaccinated as a safety measure.