In a move aimed at curbing the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks across several states, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) has announced mandatory registration for all poultry farms within a month. This directive forms part of a ‘three-pronged strategy’ to combat the spread of the virus, which has been detected at 34 epicentres across eight states Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. The government has urged poultry industry stakeholders to ensure 100 per cent compliance with this directive.
According to reports, Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) primarily affects birds but cases have been found in at least 10 10 mammal infections in India so far. These include three Tigers, one Leopard, three domestic cats Vulture, Crow, Hawk and Egret are Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Maharashtra. The first mammal case this year was reported in a tiger at a Nagpur rescue centre on January 1 and the latest in a wild cat in Goa in March. It was also found in Pet Cat in Madhya Pradesh, Demoiselle crane, Painted Stork in
Rajasthan, Crow in Bihar and Jungle Cat in Goa.
Chaired by Secretary (DAHD) Alka Upadhyaya, the meeting brought together scientific experts, poultry industry representatives and policymakers to review the current situation of avian influenza and explore strategies to contain the disease and prevent its spread.
Upadhyaya emphasised, “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.”
Additionally, Secretary DAHD stated the need for developing a predictive modelling system for early warning and environmental surveillance which would enable proactive disease detection and response, minimising the risk of outbreaks and protecting the poultry industry.
DAHD has permitted the use of the H9N2 (Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza) vaccine, developed by ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal, which is now available commercially.
“The country follows a strict “detect and culling” policy, which involves culling infected birds, restricting movement, and disinfecting areas within a 1 km radius of outbreaks. States have been instructed to report daily on control measures, with increased surveillance and preparedness, especially during winter when migratory birds pose a higher risk,” the DAHD said in a statement.
Under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Scheme, the government compensates affected farmers for culled birds, destroyed eggs, and feed, with costs shared 50:50 between the Centre and States.
