India’s rabies vaccine market is set for a big push after the Supreme Court’s order on August 11. The court has asked for all stray dogs to be removed, sterilised, vaccinated, and sheltered within eight weeks. This is a major shift because until now, most cities followed the “catch-neuter-release” model under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. The case is now before a three-judge bench for review, but its impact is already visible across states and municipal bodies.
Market Growth Impact
With the ruling in place, local authorities are changing their anti-rabies vaccine procurement plans. India reports the world’s highest rabies burden, making up 36% of all global rabies deaths. WHO estimates around 18,000–20,000 people in India die of rabies every year. The economic costs are also heavy, with around Rs 23.8 crore lost annually due to health expenses and productivity decline, according to The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia (June 2025).
Delhi Stray Dogs Issue
Delhi has been facing growing problems from stray dog attacks, with recent incidents sparking public anger and debates over safety. The Supreme Court’s new directive now puts additional pressure on Delhi authorities to act faster. Municipal bodies will need to set up more shelters, arrange regular sterilisation, and ensure annual vaccinations. This could also mean a rise in vaccine demand from Delhi alone, further driving the overall rabies vaccine market.
Rabies Vaccine Demand Rise
The veterinary rabies vaccine market was valued at around Rs 300 crore in 2023 and was earlier expected to reach Rs 400 crore by 2030. With the new court mandate, industry experts now believe growth will be faster. The wider Indian animal vaccine market, covering livestock and pets, was Rs 3,900 crore in 2024 and is projected to touch Rs 7,115 crore by 2033. The court ruling could give this growth an extra push.
Recent Developments
Municipal budgets for rabies control have long been inconsistent and underfunded. But now, with CCTV monitoring of compliance ordered by the Supreme Court, states and cities are under pressure to implement strict sterilisation and vaccination drives. Several urban bodies, including those in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, have already begun drafting new tenders for vaccine supply. Health officials say the ruling may finally bring India closer to its goal of reducing rabies deaths and improving public safety.
