KARACHI: A new study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases has reported Pakistan’s first known case of rabies being transmitted from a cow to a human. The incident involved an 18-year-old farmer who was bitten by a cow while feeding it. The young man received immediate treatment at Karachi’s Indus Hospital in 2024 and survived.
The research titled “A Rabid Cow Bites the Hand That Feeds It” says the farmer was aware of rabies risks and visited the Rabies Prevention and Training Center the same day. Since he had already completed a rabies vaccination course four years ago, he was only given follow-up doses.
Later, the cow showed unusual behavior and died a few days after the bite. Lab tests confirmed it had rabies. It was later learned the cow had been bitten by a stray dog, according to DawnNews.
Experts say this is a serious issue, as rabies in cattle can spread to humans. Though rabies in cows is not new in rural Pakistan, this is the first reported case of direct human infection.
Dr. Naseem Salahuddin, the lead researcher, said rural areas need better rabies control because livestock is a main source of income for farmers. Losing a cow to rabies is a big financial loss.
The study urges the government to ensure rabies vaccines for both humans and animals, strengthen emergency services, and train medical staff. It also calls for better tracking of animal rabies cases.
