LONGDING, Oct 28: A suspected case of rabies in a domestic pig from Mopakhat village in Longding district that tested positive for rabies virus antigen and subsequently died a day later, raised concerns about the potential risk of rabies transmission to humans and animals, highlighting the need for strengthened rabies awareness across the district.
The case was investigated by Dr Tilling Tayo, ACTO (Animal Science), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Longding, following a report from a farmer who approached him on October 25 with concerns about unusual behaviour in his pig.
According to the farmer, the pig had become abnormally excited, was making unusual noises, biting objects and attempting to jump out of its pigsty. On visiting the site, Dr Tayo observed the animal from a safe distance. The pigsty had bamboo-piling walls and a cement floor at ground level. The pig appeared highly agitated, vocalised repeatedly and continued biting the ropes inside the enclosure.
As a precaution, the farmer was advised not to approach or handle the animal to avoid possible bites and exposure to saliva. The suspicion was particularly concerning in view of reports that two to three suspected rabid dogs had been seen in the area between September and mid-October this year. According to the history provided, these dogs had reportedly roamed freely and bitten other dogs, some of which subsequently displayed abnormal behaviour. However, the epidemiological link between the dogs and the pig has not yet been established.
The pig died on October 26. Following the death, brainstem smear slides and the whole brain sample were sent to the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati, for laboratory examination, with appropriate biosafety precautions.
On October 27, the laboratory communicated that the pig’s brain sample had tested positive for rabies virus antigen.
The preliminary positive result provides strong grounds for treating the case as a suspected rabies-positive animal for public health action while awaiting the additional laboratory findings.
Although rabies is most commonly associated with dogs in India, the disease can affect all mammals, including pigs, cattle, goats, wildlife and humans. Rabies in pigs is uncommon, but its occurrence is a reminder that domestic livestock are not exempt from infection.
The case underscores the importance of strengthening rabies prevention and control measures throughout Longding district, particularly in rural and remote villages where dogs may roam freely and access to veterinary and medical services may be limited.
Rabies prevention requires coordinated action by the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary and Health Departments, local administration, village councils, community leaders and livestock farmers. Under the One Health approach, animal disease surveillance and human health protection must operate together to prevent further exposure and reduce the risk of transmission.
Awareness programmes should be organised in schools, villages, markets and livestock-rearing communities to educate people about recognising suspected rabies, avoiding contact with unfamiliar or abnormal animals, reporting animal bites immediately and seeking timely medical care. Particular attention should be given to children, livestock farmers, pig rearers, dog owners and people who frequently handle animals.
The suspected rabies-positive pig case in Mopakhat village serves as an important warning that rabies surveillance must extend beyond dogs to other domestic animals. Strengthened community awareness, timely laboratory diagnosis, responsible dog vaccination and close coordination between veterinary and health authorities are essential to protect both animal and human health in Longding district.