Community awareness and behavioral practices toward rabies and animal bites in rural Nagarahole

Rabies is a preventable yet fatal zoonotic disease that continues to claim lives, especially in rural India where awareness and access to postexposure prophylaxis remain inadequate. This study was conducted in Nagarahole, Karnataka, to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding animal bites and rabies among a rural population living in proximity to wildlife. A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in November 2024 among 148 residents using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and KAP scores were calculated with ≥50% considered satisfactory. While 97% had heard of rabies and 92% recognized its fatality, only 11% demonstrated adequate knowledge. Attitudinally, 75% acknowledged the need for completing the vaccine course. Practices were poor ; only 3% reported of recent bite incidents out of which all sought care but only one met the criteria for good practice.