On World Rabies Day, experts warn about transmission from monkeys, bats, foxes and jackals

Hyderabad: When most people think of rabies, they think of stray dogs. And with good reason: dogs remain the single largest source of rabies cases in India.

However, experts caution that focusing only on dogs overlooks another important risk, rabies transmitted by wildlife such as monkeys, bats, foxes and jackals. On World Rabies Day, researchers and clinicians say this blind spot could be weakening India’s efforts to control the disease.

Beyond dogs: A wider animal reservoir

The public-health narrative on rabies has been dominated by dog bites, because dogs account for the vast majority of cases.

However, monkeys are responsible for a growing number of bite injuries in India’s cities and pilgrimage centres. Bats, foxes and other wild carnivores also act as natural reservoirs of the virus.

“We cannot ignore wildlife when we talk about rabies elimination. Any animal that can transmit the virus represents a potential break in the chain of prevention,” said Dr S Ramesh, a Hyderabad-based infectious disease specialist, speaking to NewsMeter.

Monkeys in Urban India

From Delhi’s Lutyens’ Zone to the temple towns of the South, monkeys have adapted to urban life. In many areas, they regularly snatch food or enter homes, leading to frequent human contact. Children are particularly at risk.

Dr Anuradha Iyer, a community health officer, explained, “In temple towns, we see dozens of monkey bite cases every week. Many patients do not know that these bites also carry the risk of rabies, so they delay vaccination. That delay can cost lives.”

The problem is compounded because, unlike dogs, monkeys cannot be easily vaccinated or sterilised at scale. Wildlife authorities and municipal bodies rarely work together on the issue, leaving the public with little guidance.

Bats: A hidden risk

Bats rarely make it into rabies discussions in India, yet they are known to carry rabies-like viruses globally. With expanding cities and deforestation, human contact with bats has increased. Fruit bats roost in trees near schools, homes, and markets, raising exposure risks.

“Even if confirmed transmission to humans is rare, the potential exists. Any unexplained bite or scratch from a bat must be taken seriously,” said Dr Kavitha R, a virologist at a Hyderabad research centre.

Unlike monkey encounters, bat exposures are harder to trace. A person may not even realise they were bitten, especially at night.

Other wildlife encounters

In rural India, foxes, jackals and even mongooses are sometimes reported as rabid animals.

These cases may be small, but they have big implications. They show that rabies circulates beyond dogs and that humans living near forests or farmland remain vulnerable.

“Every rabies death is preventable. But to prevent it, we must widen our surveillance to include wildlife. Otherwise, we are missing part of the picture,” said Dr Mohammed Ali, a senior veterinarian.

Wildlife cases are underreported

India’s rabies surveillance system remains patchy, and most data come from dog-related cases that reach hospitals. Wildlife-related cases are often under-reported, partly because animals are not tested after incidents. Capturing, transporting, and testing wild animals requires resources and coordination that most districts do not have.

“When a patient comes in with a monkey or bat bite, we can only assume the worst and treat with vaccines. We rarely get confirmation because testing is not feasible,” said Dr Iyer.

Clinical guidance and the role of PEP

The clinical advice for any bite from a potentially rabid animal is clear: wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Yet awareness of this advice remains uneven, especially in rural and tribal communities.

“People still believe in traditional remedies, applying turmeric or chilli powder to the wound. By the time they come to a hospital, it is often too late,” said Dr. Ramesh.

Why the wildlife link matters

If India is to achieve its goal of eliminating dog-mediated rabies, experts say wildlife cannot be ignored. While dogs remain the biggest focus, neglecting monkeys, bats and other wild reservoirs could leave dangerous gaps.

Rabies prevention strategies need to include:

• Public education about the risks of monkey and bat bites.

• Stronger coordination between health, veterinary, and forest departments.

• Clear PEP guidelines for non-dog bites, especially in areas where wildlife encounters are common.

• Reliable vaccine and immunoglobulin supplies at rural health centres.

A one health approach

Ultimately, rabies elimination is not just a human health issue. It requires collaboration between doctors, veterinarians, ecologists and communities. A “One Health” approach, looking at humans, animals, and the environment together, is the only way forward.

“Rabies is preventable, but prevention demands we break out of silos. Dogs are central, yes, but if we ignore wildlife, we will never truly eliminate the disease,” said Dr Ali.

On World Rabies Day, the message is simple: while dogs remain the primary source, other wildlife should be considered too. By broadening surveillance, educating communities, and ensuring quick access to PEP, India can close the gaps and move closer to a rabies-free future.