A new report on the heels of World Rabies Day 2011 claims more than 50-60 people seek medical treatment every day at the the Civil Hospital of Gurgaon due to dog bites. This suburban city, Southwest of of Delhi, is estimated to have more than 50,000 stray dogs roaming the streets.

WHO recommendations for the reduction of rabies transmission by stray dogs of India calls for 80% of stray dogs, and 100% of domesticated dogs get vaccinated and sterilized. Two NGO’s are responsible for combating the rabies and overpopulation problem in Gurgaon. A citywide sterilization program, which began in mid-2009, reports roughly 18,000 dogs have been vaccinated and sterilized.

Tourists of India should be cautious when walking city streets near stray dogs. Aggressive or agitated dogs should be avoided. Do not pet or try to feed stray dogs as they can be easily spooked, causing them to feel the need to attack. Night time activity among stray dogs can be especially volatile as they stake out territorial sleeping and food scavenging areas.

Rabies is a potentially fatal disease if not properly treated.