Panaji: Rabies surveillance and intervention measures along South Goa’s border have intensified after a rise in canine rabies cases in neighbouring Karnataka’s Karwar region.According to Mission Rabies, Karwar reported 45 rabies-positive dogs in 2025. In 2026 so far, 15 cases have already been detected, raising concerns about spillover into Canacona.Officials said that ongoing rabies cases in dogs near the interstate boundary pose a risk if not contained through timely surveillance and vaccination. Authorities are strengthening monitoring systems along the border. Field visits and discussions with local administrators, including Karwar district officials, are currently underway to coordinate a joint response.“The strategy includes expanding vaccination campaigns among stray dog populations, increasing surveillance officers in sensitive border zones, and improving early detection and reporting mechanisms,” said Murugan Appupillai, director of education, Mission Rabies Goa.“While Karwar has seen a spike in cases, neighbouring Sawantwadi has reported relatively stable numbers. We suspect underreporting may be masking the true situation. Earlier, reporting was strong, but in the past six months, it has declined. We are investigating the reasons and working to strengthen the system,” said Appupillai.Additional personnel are expected to be deployed to improve case detection and community engagement.“All current cases under discussion involve dogs, with no human infections reported in this context so far,” he added.
