Infected cow's milk 'prasad' sparks rabies scare in Gorakhpur village
Gorakhpur (UP) (PTI): Fear grips a Gorakhpur village after nearly 150 locals consumed 'panchamrit' prepared from the raw milk of a cow that later tested positive for rabies, officials said on Tuesday.
The episode unfolded in Ramdih village in the Uruwa block, some 40 km from the district headquarters.
Uruwa primary health centre in-charge Dr J P Tiwari said around 160 villagers have so far been administered two doses each of the anti-rabies vaccine, with the next dose scheduled on the seventh day.
"There is no established research that shows rabies can be transmitted to humans through the milk of an infected cow. However, as a precaution, we have advised vaccination," he said.
The milk was used in a ritual performed by villagers Rajeev Gaur and Sonu Vishwakarma.
The cow died on Saturday, displaying symptoms of rabies, and sent the village into panic.
According to villagers, the cow belonged to Dharmendra Gaur and had been bitten by a stray dog nearly three months ago.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Rajesh Jha said the situation remains under watch.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
