Panaji: Goa has recorded zero positive animal rabies cases in 2026, with all 123 animal brain samples tested in the state returning negative, even as 39 cases have been detected in neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra, official postmortem examination data up to Sept 26 show.The neighbouring states recorded 31 cases in Karnataka and eight in Maharashtra, with the cases concentrated in four border talukas. Authorities are maintaining vigilance along entry points to prevent cross-border transmission into Goa.Goa recorded one positive animal case in 2025, compared with 53 cases detected in neighbouring border regions—43 in Karnataka and 10 in Maharashtra.Mission Rabies has attributed Goa’s progress to sustained vaccination, surveillance and awareness efforts.“Systematic diagnostic tracking of animal carcasses has expanded over recent years to safeguard public health. Total annual post-mortem samples evaluated have grown from 210 in 2021 to 305 in 2025, reaching a cumulative 1,414 tests to date,” said Mission Rabies director, education, Murugan Appupillai.Mission Rabies–Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) Goa Foundation, the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services and animal welfare groups will hold a five-day World Rabies Day campaign from Sept 28 to Oct 3. Themed “Stronger Together”, the campaign seeks to consolidate Goa’s status as India’s first Rabies Controlled State, achieved in 2021.Chief minister Pramod Sawant will inaugurate the campaign on Sept 28 at Goa Science Centre, Miramar.The programme includes a month-long Animal Birth Control (ABC) dog sterilisation camp in Assolna and the resumption of door-to-door dog vaccination in Tiswadi, Salcete, Quepem, Mormugao and Ponda. Vaccination drives will continue in the state’s seven border talukas and adjoining transit corridors in Maharashtra and Karnataka.The campaign will cover Panaji, Margao, Assolna, Vasco and Sanquelim, with a One Health workshop for 150 teachers, rallies involving around 1,000 students and awareness floats. Organisers will promote responsible pet ownership, wound washing and prompt medical treatment after animal bites, besides animal vaccination.
