Gorakhpur: 450 Get Anti-Rabies Shots After Milk From Cow Suspected Of Rabies

A shocking case has emerged from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, where around 450 people were given anti-rabies injections as a precaution after consuming offerings made from the milk of a cow that died after showing suspected symptoms of rabies.

The cow had reportedly been bitten by a stray dog some time earlier. Concern spread after it was learned that milk from the cow had been used to prepare ‘Charanamrit’ and prasad during Durga Puja. Hundreds of villagers had consumed these offerings.

The same milk had also reportedly been supplied to local tea shops, raising concern among people in the area. After news of the cow’s death spread, panic gripped the locality.

Keeping the possible risk in mind, a team from the health department immediately reached the village. As a precautionary measure, anti-rabies injections were administered to around 450 people at the same time.

Health officials said the step was taken entirely as a safety measure and to ease people’s fears. The officials’ statement came amid concern over the consumption of the cow’s milk in religious offerings and at local tea shops.