In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at eliminating dog-mediated rabies in India, a dedicated diagnostic laboratory in Bengaluru is working on an oral vaccine for free-roaming dogs. The project is a collaboration with three national institutes and marks a significant step towards controlling rabies, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), causes approximately 59,000 human deaths annually, with India contributing to a third of the global burden.

Tackling Rabies in India

Rabies continues to be a severe challenge in India. In Karnataka, 42 human deaths were reported last year due to rabies, and 15 more by the end of April this year. The country aims to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

The Vaccine Development

The Karnataka Veterinary, Animal, and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU) Rabies Diagnostic Laboratory, located in Hebbal, is developing the vaccine using a modified adenovirus vector that will deliver a rabies virus clone to stimulate the dog’s immune system. This vaccine will be incorporated into palatable bait, making it easier to vaccinate free-roaming dogs without the need for regular capture and injection.

Future Plans

The vaccine will undergo clinical trials over the next two years, starting with mice and captive dogs. Once tested, it will be distributed through local government bodies, which have mapped the free-roaming dog population. As of 2022, there were around 17.1 million homeless dogs in India, highlighting the vast challenge.

This approach aims to solve the issues faced by traditional mass vaccination methods, including manpower constraints and budgetary challenges. While pet dogs are vaccinated widely, vaccinating community dogs remains a significant hurdle. The oral delivery method can help overcome this by simplifying the process and reducing costs.

Challenges Ahead

The project faces several hurdles, including the storage of vaccines, the potential aggressiveness of stray dogs, and issues related to domination by dominant dogs at feeding points. However, the team is working on solutions such as mapping stray dog concentrations and improving cold chain management.

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