Balimela: At least 370 residents of MV-35 village under Korukonda block in Malkangiri district Tuesday were administered anti-rabies vaccines (ARV) after they feared they were rabies-affected. The residents consumed the milk of a cow that died a couple of days back after it was bitten by a dog.
According to reports, the cow owned by Bhanjan Pande, a villager, was bitten by a dog in April. However, the cow died a week back after it failed to respond to treatment.
On the other hand, the milk collected from the cow was used in ‘panchamrit’ served to villagers at the Baisakhi Festival celebrated during the first half of May. Panic gripped the village after people came to know that they had consumed the milk of the ailing cow.
Village sarpanch Bhima Barse informed District Collector and chief district medical officer (CDMO) in writing. Viewing the matter seriously, the Collector asked the CDMO to administer vaccines to the villagers.
Accordingly, about 370 people were administered ARV under the supervision of ADMO Amarendra Mohanty and BDO Dasharathi Sarabu.
PNN
