JAGTIAL: Panic gripped Vempet in Metpally mandal after a buffalo reportedly died of rabies following a dog bite, prompting villagers to rush to the Metpally Primary Health Centre for anti-rabies vaccination.
The buffalo, owned by Ravutla Babaiah, had been unwell for a week before it died two days ago. Veterinary doctors confirmed that rabies was the cause of death. Babaiah, who supplies the animal’s milk to the local collection centre, said the incident created widespread anxiety, with people expressing concern about consuming the milk.
Doctors reassured villagers that boiled milk does not transmit rabies, but fear persisted. Over the past two days, many residents queued at the health centre for precautionary anti-rabies vaccinations.
The situation was exacerbated as some villagers reportedly used raw milk for ritual abhishekam during Maha Shivaratri, consuming it as a holy offering, which fuelled further concern. Babaiah clarified that while milk was extracted on Shivaratri, it was not sold to the collection centre, and the buffalo had stopped eating fodder and giving milk days before its death.
Metpally medical officer Dr Achyuth Reddy stated that more than 30 villagers have received anti-rabies shots so far. He emphasised that rabies won’t be transmitted through milk and urged residents to remain calm and avoid unnecessary panic.