SMHS reports nearly 13,000 bite cases in a year, half linked to cats

June 19, 2025 by News Desk

More than 12,800 animal bite cases, mostly involving dogs and cats, were reported at the Anti-Rabies Clinic (ARC) of Srinagar’s Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in the past year, officials said.

From June 2024 to May 2025, a total of 12,833 cases were recorded, comprising 6,258 dog bites, 6,095 cat exposures, and 480 other bite cases. Officials attributed the majority of dog bite cases to stray dogs, while the rising trend of domestic cat ownership has contributed significantly to cat-related exposures.

Officials said the clinic receives more than 1,000 animal bite or scratch cases each month. This year’s total marks the highest figure recorded in over a decade, reflecting the urgent need for focused intervention and public awareness.

Monthly data showed dog bite cases ranging from 423 in November to a peak of 625 in April. Similarly, cat bite cases were highest in January with 692 cases and lowest in September with 414.

Officials highlighted that cats, like dogs, are capable of transmitting rabies, and the number of cat exposure cases has grown significantly in recent years. They said that while the trend of keeping cats as pets increased post-COVID, many pet owners fail to observe necessary care measures such as vaccinations, deworming, and maintaining hygiene. According to ARC staff, nearly half the cases now involve cat exposures.

Since April 2015, ARC SMHS has recorded nearly 70,000 animal bite cases. The clinic reported: 7,061 cases in 2015–16, 5,832 in 2016–17, 6,802 in 2017–18, 6,397 in 2018–19, 6,139 in 2019–20, 4,808 in 2020–21, 5,469 in 2021–22, 6,875 in 2022–23, and approximately 8,800 in 2023–24.

The trend indicates a steady increase in incidents, with a particularly sharp rise in the last three years.

Officials noted that pet ownership in Kashmir has increased substantially over the past decade. In contrast to livestock, which provide milk, meat, or eggs, pets are kept mainly for companionship.

However, this shift demands a greater sense of responsibility. Officials stressed that those who choose to keep pets must commit to their proper care, including feeding, behavioural support, shelter, and access to veterinary health services.

They added that maintaining hygiene—such as regular grooming and dental care—is important to prevent zoonotic diseases like skin infections and oral illnesses in animals.

Dog bites remain a serious public health concern in the region. Thousands of residents have been exposed to bites, especially from stray dogs, with some cases resulting in rabies infections. Rabies is a universally fatal viral disease that causes around 59,000 human deaths globally each year, with 95 per cent of these occurring in Asia and Africa. (KNO)