Tamil NaduSaturday, 20 June 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu dog bites and rabies deaths in 2026: DPH data, ABC programme and vaccination facts
Tamil Nadu reported 2.63 lakh dog bites and 17 rabies deaths in the first four months of 2026, highlighting ABC and anti-rabies vaccination needs.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In January–April 2026, Tamil Nadu recorded 2.63 lakh dog bite cases and 17 rabies deaths, according to Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine data, with Chennai, Salem, Tiruchi and Dindigul among the districts reporting higher numbers.
Key specifics
- January 2026 and February 2026 each saw 62,000 dog bite cases in Tamil Nadu.
- March 2026 rose to 71,000 cases, while April 2026 dipped slightly to 68,000 cases.
- In 2025, Tamil Nadu had 6.25 lakh dog bites and 34 rabies deaths, making 2026 a continuing public-health concern.
- Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme and rabies vaccination of dogs were specifically cited as key control measures.
- Category III bites, including transdermal bites, scratches and licks on broken skin, require rabies immunoglobulin, according to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital.
Exam lens
Public health and governance question type: disease control, vaccination, and local body responsibility; remember DPH, ABC programme, rabies immunoglobulin, and the 100% fatal nature of rabies if untreated. TNPSC may ask which department tracks dog-bite data or what Category III bite requires.