The buffalo, owned by Ravutla Babaiah, had been unwell for a week before it died two days ago. Babaiah, who supplies the animal’s milk to the local collection centre, said the incident created widespread anxiety, with people expressing concern about consuming the milk. Doctors reassured villagers that boiled milk does not transmit rabies, but fear persisted. Babaiah clarified that while milk was extracted on Shivaratri, it was not sold to the collection centre, and the buffalo had stopped eating fodder and giving milk days before its death. He emphasised that rabies won’t be transmitted through milk and urged residents to remain calm and avoid unnecessary panic.

Source: Indian Express February 27, 2026 03:47 UTC