Kerala govt spends Rs 4.29 crore on pet anti-rabies vaccination in nine years

KOCHI: Over the past nine years, the Kerala government has spent Rs 4.29 crore (Rs 4,29,12,118) on providing anti-rabies vaccination for pets. The figures cover the period from 2016–17 up to July this year. Out of Rs 27 crore allotted by the central and state governments for rabies and other vaccinations, Rs 4.29 crore was used specifically for pet vaccinations. The move comes as cases of rabies from domestic animals are on the rise. Under the ASCAD scheme, the focus is mainly on rabies and bird flu vaccinations.

As of July, there were 6,80,313 doses of anti-rabies vaccine in stock across the state. The highest stock was in Thiruvananthapuram (1,27,400 doses), while Malappuram had the lowest (10,660 doses). Raju Vazhakala of Kakkanad obtained the details under the Right to Information Act.

Funds received

During this period, the Animal Husbandry Department received Rs 15.80 crore from the Centre and Rs 11.37 crore from the state under the “Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases” (ASCAD) scheme. In total, 42,03,390 doses of rabies vaccine were purchased in these years, the highest being in 2024–25 (10 lakh doses).

Suppliers: Vaccines were purchased from Biomed, Brilliant Bio Pharma, and Indian Immunologicals.

District-wise vaccine stock:

• Thiruvananthapuram: 1,27,400 doses
• Kollam: 23,030
• Pathanamthitta: 52,500
• Alappuzha: 26,900
• Kottayam: 1,06,000
• Idukki: 57,586
• Ernakulam: 78,280
• Thrissur: 65,978
• Palakkad: 27,960
• Malappuram: 10,660
• Kozhikode: 16,000
• Wayanad: 34,184
• Kannur: 30,015
• Kasaragod: 23,820