Trends in reported animal bites and rabies-related mortality in Nepal (2014–2024): A descriptive analysis of national surveillance data

Abstract

Objective: To assess national trends and the burden of animal bites in Nepal from 2014 to 2024, and estimate their impact using national surveillance data.
Methods: We analyzed national Annual Health Reports from 2014 to 2024. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlations, and trend analyses were performed. Negative binomial regression modeled deaths due to overdispersion in count data.
Results: An annual mean of 59 715 dog bites and 5 706 other animal bites were reported, with a mean of 275 848 anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) vials consumed and a mean of 17 deaths annually. Reported dog bite counts increased steadily over the study period, with an average annual rise of approximately 12 600 cases. Mortality varied across years and did not show a direct proportional relationship with dog bite volume. Spearman's correlation indicated only a partial correlation between reported bites and ARV consumption, suggesting a disconnect between exposure incidence and vaccine utilization.
Conclusions: Dog bites account for the majority of cases, but other species may drive mortality. Strengthened One Health surveillance, equitable ARV distribution, and regional collaboration are required to meet rabies elimination goals.

Keywords

Animal bites / Rabies / Nepal / One Health / Zoonoses / Surveillance

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, for making the Annual Health Reports publicly available, which formed the basis of this analysis. We also thank the Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, for providing an academic environment supportive of this research. The authors appreciate the efforts of health workers and surveillance staff involved in the routine collection and reporting of animal bite and rabies data across Nepal.

Funding

The study received no extramural funding.

Data availability statement

The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Authors’ contributions

All authors were responsible for the conception and design of the study as well as the writing of the manuscript. Gautam J was in charge of conceptualization, formal analysis, visualization, investigation, methodology, software, and original draft writing. Bharati N undertook formal analysis, visualization, investigation, methodology, software, and original draft writing. Niroula D was responsible for methodology, formal analysis, and review & editing. KC A participated in review and editing. Bhandari S handled methodology and review and editing.

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