No let-up in dog bite incidents in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan region has seen a sharp increase in dog bite cases, with around 200 incidents reported over the past two months, raising concerns among residents.

Dog bites make up the vast majority of these cases, with more than 190 incidents recorded, while the remaining cases involve bites from cats and a single case involving a fox.

The situation has been especially critical in Gilgit, where over 160 dog bite cases have been reported, followed by Ghizer with nine cases, Skardu with four, and Diamer with one, alarming the local population and prompting authorities to take action.

The most recent victim of an animal bite was a 10-year-old girl from Yasin Valley in Ghizer district. After being attacked by a fox, she was promptly administered the anti-rabies vaccine at Civil Hospital Thaus and was later discharged. The surge in cases has led to a significant rise in rabies-related fatalities, with at least 16 people confirmed dead due to rabies during last two months.

In response to the growing crisis, authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan have intensified efforts to manage the stray dog population. Thousands of dogs have been culled in recent months in a bid to curb the incidents of animal bites and reduce the transmission of rabies.

Also read: No respite in dog bite incidents in Gilgit as culling fails to curb attacks

To support hospitals in Gilgit-Baltistan in handling the crisis, the government has recently supplied 1,000 rabies vaccines and 500 Human Immunoglobulin injections, ensuring that treatment options for dog bite victims remain accessible in the region’s medical facilities. Meanwhile, the Livestock and Dairy Development Department of Gilgit District has initiated a free vaccination program to safeguard pets and domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, against rabies.