New National Action Plan To Tackle Avian Influenza

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) of India has reaffirmed its commitment to controlling avian influenza with its robust National Action Plan for Prevention, Control, and Containment on August 7^th 2024. This plan, first established in 2021, provides a strategic framework to guide states and Union Territories (UTs) in managing and mitigating avian influenza outbreaks.

 National Action Plan

India’s National Action Plan is a comprehensive strategy designed to tackle avian influenza outbreaks. Here’s a closer look at its core components:

1. Proactive Surveillance and Response: The plan emphasizes routine and targeted surveillance to swiftly identify and address outbreaks. Once an outbreak is detected, immediate actions are taken: birds within a one-kilometer radius of the epicenter are culled, contaminated materials are destroyed, and poultry movement is restricted. Additionally, a Post Operation Surveillance Plan (POSP) ensures ongoing monitoring to prevent resurgence.
2. Guidance and Support: To support effective implementation, the DAHD issues advisories to states and UTs. These advisories help maintain vigilance, enhance surveillance, and ensure preparedness for potential outbreaks. States are advised to stock up on essential supplies, such as PPE kits, and to boost public awareness through Information Education Communication (IEC) campaigns. The National Joint Outbreak Response Team is also available to provide on-ground support during outbreaks.
3. Financial Assistance for Control Measures: Under the Assistance to States for Control of Animal Disease (ASCAD) scheme, farmers and poultry owners receive compensation for culling birds, with costs shared equally between the central and state governments. Furthermore, financial support is available for controlling emergent and exotic diseases, strengthening state biological production units, and upgrading disease diagnostic laboratories. The funding distribution varies by region and activity, with different contributions from central and state governments based on specific needs.
4. Laboratory Support: To ensure effective diagnosis and research, laboratory support is provided through several key institutions, including Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories (RDDLs), the Central Disease Diagnosis Laboratory (CDDL), and the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD). These labs play a crucial role in detecting and managing avian influenza.
5. Inter-Sectoral Collaboration: On July 16, 2024, a high-level inter-sectoral brainstorming session was held, focusing on surveillance and vaccination strategies under the One Health Initiative. This collaborative approach aims to integrate efforts across various sectors to enhance avian influenza management.

IMPORTANCE:

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, poses a significant threat to poultry industries and can have broader implications for public health. By implementing a detailed action plan, India is not only aiming to prevent and control outbreaks but also to protect the livelihoods of farmers and the health of the general public.

The National Action Plan demonstrates India’s proactive approach to managing avian influenza through a combination of surveillance, immediate response actions, financial support, and inter-sectoral collaboration. As we continue to face challenges in disease management, these efforts underscore the importance of a coordinated and well-resourced strategy to safeguard both animal and human health.