In a significant move to combat zoonotic diseases, Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has successfully administered free anti-rabies vaccinations to over one lakh dogs across India on the eve of Zoonosis Day, July 6. Zoonosis Day emphasizes the importance of preventing diseases transmitted between animals and humans.

IIL, a leading vaccine manufacturer and advocate for the "One Health" initiative—which promotes the health of humans, animals, and the environment—coordinated this large-scale vaccination drive. The campaign involved over 100 centers across 21 states, collaborating with veterinary dispensaries, NGOs, and veterinarians to administer the RAKSHARAB vaccine, IIL’s proprietary anti-rabies vaccine.

Rabies remains a pressing public health concern in India, accounting for over 90% of reported zoonotic cases in the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the economic burden of dog-mediated rabies at $8.6 billion. The high incidence of rabies in India is largely attributed to its substantial stray dog population, estimated at 60 million, and the low vaccination rates among these animals. Vaccinating dogs is considered the most cost-effective measure to prevent the spread of rabies, with several countries demonstrating significant reductions in human rabies deaths through such programs.

Dr. K. Anand Kumar, Managing Director of IIL, highlighted the company's pivotal role in addressing zoonotic diseases. "IIL is the single largest contributor to vaccine self-sufficiency in our nation. Our commitment to developing vaccines for zoonotic diseases, including the world’s first vaccine against Porcine Cysticercosis, underscores our dedication to public health. We are actively working with the Government of Kerala and the Municipal Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram to make Kerala rabies-free," he stated.

IIL’s innovative contributions include the development of CYSVAX, the world’s first vaccine for Porcine Cysticercosis in pigs. This zoonotic disease is a significant cause of epilepsy in humans, and vaccinating pigs can considerably reduce epilepsy cases linked to the disease.

The annual observance of World Zoonosis Day, held on July 6, commemorates the efforts to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases and highlights the importance of vaccination and preventive measures. IIL’s extensive vaccination campaign not only aims to curb the spread of rabies but also reinforces the broader "One Health" approach to ensuring a healthy coexistence of humans, animals, and the ecosystem.