Gorakhpur: 450 people vaccinated after consuming milk from suspected rabies-infected cow

Approximately 450 people in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh have received anti-rabies vaccinations as a precaution. The drive follows the death of a cow whose milk was used to prepare ‘charanamrit’, a religious offering consumed during Durga Puja festivities.

The cow, owned by Nawami Yadav, died on a Tuesday evening after exhibiting unusual behavior, including barking. Local veterinarians suspected the animal had been bitten by a stray dog. While the milk was reportedly boiled before being used in the religious offering, health authorities have not officially confirmed if the cow was infected with rabies.

In response to community concern, health officials organized a swift vaccination campaign. Approximately 50 individuals initially sought treatment at a community health center, followed by a vaccination camp on Wednesday where an additional 400 people were immunized. The milk had been distributed to several households and two local shops in the Dadi Khas and Govindpur villages.