Gujarat Shock: 35 People Vaccinated After Drinking Milk from Rabies-Infected Buffalo

In a rather unusual incident from Gujarat’s Bharuch district, a buffalo in the Jambusar area died after contracting rabies from the bite of an infected dog. The alarming twist came when it was revealed that several members of the household had consumed the buffalo’s milk before its death, unaware that the animal had been infected.

Fearing possible exposure to the virus, the family members and other locals who had consumed the milk rushed to a nearby health centre to receive preventive rabies vaccinations. While vaccination is commonly administered after dog bites, the situation in Jambusar—where people sought immunization after drinking infected buffalo milk—has drawn considerable public attention.

According to a report by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), consuming unpasteurized milk from rabid animals can, in theory, transmit the virus, though such cases are extremely rare. Medical experts noted that rabies remains one of the deadliest viral infections, and once symptoms appear, it is almost impossible to treat.

As a precautionary measure, 35 individuals were administered the rabies vaccine. Doctors reassured the public that the vaccine, made from an inactivated (killed) virus, is generally safe and free of major side effects.

The incident has sparked discussions on the importance of public awareness regarding animal-borne diseases and preventive vaccination measures, particularly in rural areas where people frequently consume raw or unprocessed dairy products.