Suspected Rabies Case Reported in Budhal’s Phalni Area of RajouriWildlife **Warden rushes special team, issues public advisory**

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SHYAM SOOD

RAJOURI JANUARY 31:-A suspected case of rabies has been reported from the Phalni-Palwar area of Budhal tehsil in Rajouri district, prompting the Health Department and Wildlife Department to go on high alert.

According to officials, one in four persons bitten by a wild jackal have shown early symptoms of rabies. The affected individual has been identified as Punjab Singh (45), son of Lochan Singh, a resident of village Phalni-Palwar. He was bitten by a wild animal (jackal) around 40 days ago. While three others who were with him at the time immediately underwent anti-rabies vaccination, Punjab Singh did not take the vaccine.

On January 30, nearly 40 days after the incident, Punjab Singh reportedly began showing abnormal behaviour and other symptoms, following which he was rushed to the Government Hospital, Kotranka. After providing primary treatment, doctors referred him to GMC Associated Hospital, Rajouri. As his condition deteriorated, he was further referred to GMC Jammu for advanced treatment.

In view of the seriousness of the situation, the Health Department organized a special medical camp in the Phalni area on Saturday, where residents were administered anti-rabies vaccination as a preventive measure.

Taking cognizance of the matter, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Rajouri, Dr. M.L. Rana, wrote to the Wildlife Department seeking immediate corrective and preventive action. Stressing that rabies is a 100 percent fatal disease, he emphasized the urgent need to prevent further animal bite incidents to ensure public safety and protect the local population.

Acting promptly, the Wildlife Warden, Rajouri–Poonch Division, issued a public advisory after reports and field verification confirmed the movement of a suspected rabid jackal in and around the Phalni-Palwar area. The advisory warned that rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with the saliva of infected animals, and that wild carnivores such as jackals can act as carriers.

The public has been advised to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety guidelines. Residents have been urged not to approach, chase, provoke, or attempt to catch any jackal or wild animal exhibiting abnormal behaviour. Children should be kept indoors under close supervision, particularly during early morning and evening hours. People have also been advised to avoid moving alone near forest edges, fields, and areas close to forests.

The advisory further instructs residents to keep pets, livestock, and dogs secured and not leave them unattended. Throwing stones at wild animals or attempting to kill them has been strongly discouraged, as it may provoke attacks and spread infection. Any animal showing signs such as aggression, excessive salivation, unprovoked attacks, confusion, or staggering movement should be reported immediately.

Village heads have been asked to disseminate the advisory through public announcements. Community members have been urged to coordinate with the Wildlife and Health Departments and rely only on official information, avoiding rumours and panic.

For immediate reporting, contact numbers of concerned wildlife officials have been shared. Meanwhile, staff from the Wildlife Department Control Room, Rajouri, have been directed to rush to Phalni-Palwar with tranquilizing equipment and, with police assistance, take necessary action to safely capture the wild jackal and prevent further harm.