The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) convened a high-level meeting on April 4th, 2025, to address the escalating Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) outbreaks across the country. The meeting, chaired by Secretary DAHD brought together experts, industry representatives, and policymakers to strategize containment and prevention measures. This press release was issued on April 5, 2025.
DAHD, in collaboration with stakeholders, has adopted a comprehensive three-pronged strategy:
- Poultry farms are mandated to enhance hygiene practices, restrict access, and implement stringent biosecurity protocols.
- Enhanced disease tracking and control through rigorous surveillance.
- All poultry farms must register with state animal husbandry departments within one month, with the government urging 100% compliance.
Key Initiatives and Statements
Secretary DAHD has emphasized the critical importance of protecting the poultry sector for food security and rural livelihoods, stressing the need for strict biosecurity, scientific surveillance, and responsible industry practices.
The DAHD is developing a predictive modeling system for early warning and environmental surveillance to enable proactive disease detection and response.
The H9N2 (Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza) vaccine, developed by ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal, has been commercially approved. A national study will evaluate its effectiveness.
The possibility of using a vaccine against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was extensively discussed, with a consensus on the need for further scientific evaluation before policy decisions are made.
Research has begun to develop an indigenous HPAI vaccine, adhering to global best practices.
Current Avian Influenza Situation in India
Avian Influenza has affected domestic poultry in eight states: Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Bihar, with 34 total epicenters and 6 active ones.
The virus has shown cross-species transmission, impacting wild birds and mammals, including tigers, leopards, and domestic cats.
Currently active outbreaks are in Jharkhand, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh.
India adheres to a strict “detect and culling” policy, including culling infected birds, restricting movement, and disinfecting areas within a 1 km radius of outbreaks.
States are required to provide daily reports on control measures and enhance surveillance, especially during migratory bird seasons.
Surveillance has been expanded to non-poultry species, with negative results from tested cattle, goats, and pigs.
India has shared sequencing data of H5N1 isolates with international networks.
Central teams are deployed to manage outbreaks, and regular coordination meetings are held with relevant authorities.
The government provides compensation to affected farmers under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Scheme.
