As of 4 April, H5N1 has infected wild and domestic non-poultry species in several states, including tigers, leopards, vultures, crows, and cats in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Goa
Synopsis:
The bird flu crisis in India has escalated following a child’s death from H5N1
in Andhra Pradesh and outbreaks across multiple states. The virus is now
infecting non-poultry species, including tigers, leopards, and cats. A
high-level meeting chaired by DAHD Secretary Alka Upadhyaya on 4 April focused
on addressing the growing zoonotic threat and planning urgent containment
measures
After
the recent death of a child from H5N1 in Andhra Pradesh and a series of avian
flu outbreaks reported across multiple states, the bird flu crisis in India has
entered a worrisome new phase.
The
virus, traditionally confined to poultry, is now infecting a range of
non-poultry species—including tigers, leopards, jungle cats, and even pet
cats—signalling an alarming cross-species transmission.
This
concerning spread was a central focus of a high-level meeting held by the
Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) on April 4 in New Delhi,
where officials and experts convened to assess the growing zoonotic threat and
plan urgent containment measures.
Chaired
by DAHD Secretary Alka Upadhyaya, the meeting brought together top scientific
experts, representatives from the poultry industry, and policymakers to review the
nationwide outbreak and chart out containment measures.
The
urgency was underscored by the virus’ unusual cross-species jump, which experts
warn could have broader public health implications.
Non-poultry species infected
As of
April 4, confirmed H5N1 cases have been reported in wild and domestic
non-poultry species across several states. In Maharashtra, infections have been
detected in tigers, leopards, vultures, crows, hawks, and egrets.
Madhya
Pradesh reported a pet cat testing positive, while Rajasthan saw infections
among demoiselle cranes and painted storks. Bihar and Goa have also recorded
cases in crows and jungle cats, respectively.
This
unprecedented wildlife involvement signals a serious biosecurity lapse and
raises concerns about the virus mutating or spilling over into humans.
States and epicentres affected
So far,
eight states—Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Bihar—have reported outbreaks among poultry,
with 34 epicentres identified and six still active.
The
current hotspots include districts in Jharkhand (Bokaro, Pakur), Telangana
(Ranga Reddy, Nalgonda, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri), and Chhattisgarh (Baikunthpur,
Korea).
Additionally,
the Andhra Pradesh government declared districts including West Godavari, East
Godavari, Kurnool, Eluru, NTR, and Kakinada as infected or surveillance zones,
prohibiting the movement of poultry within a 10 km radius of the affected
areas.
Government’s
three-pronged action plan
To
counter the outbreak, DAHD has announced a comprehensive three-pronged
strategy:
1. Stricter Biosecurity Measures: Poultry farms must implement enhanced hygiene, restrict farm access, and follow strict protocols.
2. Mandatory Registration and Surveillance: All poultry farms are now required to register
with state animal husbandry departments within a month to improve traceability
and response.
3. Early Warning and Predictive Modelling: Plans are underway to develop systems for environmental surveillance and predictive modelling for early detection.
Secretary
Upadhyaya highlighted the importance of safeguarding the poultry sector, which
is crucial for food security and rural livelihoods.”Protecting our poultry
sector is critical for food security and rural livelihoods. Strict biosecurity,
scientific surveillance, and responsible industry practices are essential in
our fight against Bird Flu,” she stated.
Vaccine strategy and scientific debate
In a
significant development, DAHD has approved the use of the H9N2 low pathogenic
avian influenza (LPAI) vaccine developed by ICAR-NIHSAD, now available
commercially. A national evaluation of its effectiveness has been initiated.
However,
the possibility of introducing a vaccine for highly pathogenic avian influenza
(HPAI) remains under review. While poultry industry stakeholders are advocating
for vaccination to prevent further economic damage, experts cautioned that
current HPAI vaccines do not provide sterile immunity and only reduce viral
shedding. The meeting recommended further scientific evaluations and also
announced efforts to develop an indigenous HPAI vaccine.
India
continues to follow a “test and cull” approach, with rapid culling, movement
restrictions, and area disinfection within a 1 km radius of outbreaks.
Surveillance has been intensified, particularly during the winter migratory
bird season, with testing extended to non-poultry species.
Sequencing
data of H5N1 isolates is being shared with global networks to aid in international
monitoring and preparedness. Central teams and the National Joint Outbreak
Response Team are working closely with state authorities and wildlife
departments to coordinate responses.
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