India Steps Up Bird Flu Fight: DAHD’s New Action Plan
New Delhi, April 5, 2025 — In the wake of recent outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) across several states, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, convened a high-level meeting on April 4, 2025, in New Delhi. The meeting, chaired by Secretary Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, brought together leading scientific experts, representatives from the poultry industry, and key government stakeholders to assess the current situation and chart a way forward.
The meeting focused on evaluating the spread of the disease, identifying vulnerable areas, and putting in place stronger control and prevention mechanisms to protect poultry health, ensure food security, and safeguard rural livelihoods.
Three-Pronged Strategy to Tackle Bird Flu
Following in-depth discussions, DAHD announced a three-pronged strategy aimed at preventing and containing the spread of Avian Influenza:
- Stricter Biosecurity Measures: All poultry farms must immediately implement enhanced biosecurity protocols. These include improved hygiene standards, restricted access to farms, and disinfection measures to reduce the risk of virus introduction and spread. Farm owners have been instructed to closely monitor the health of birds and limit unnecessary human and animal contact.
- Strengthened Surveillance: Surveillance efforts are being intensified across the country to detect early signs of outbreaks. This includes active sampling, testing of birds, and tracking the movement of poultry and related products.
- Mandatory Registration of Poultry Farms: DAHD has made it mandatory for all poultry farms to register with their respective State Animal Husbandry Departments within one month. The move is intended to create a centralized database for effective monitoring and prompt response. The government has urged the poultry sector to ensure 100% compliance.
Secretary Upadhyaya underlined the critical role of the poultry industry in India’s economy and food systems, stating, “Protecting our poultry sector is vital not just for the economy, but also for food security and rural employment. A science-based, coordinated response is our best defense.”
Vaccination & Early Warning System for Bird Flu
In a major development, DAHD has approved the use of the H9N2 (Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza) vaccine, developed by ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal. The vaccine has been made commercially available and will be evaluated in a nationwide study to assess its effectiveness in preventing infections.
The meeting also explored the possibility of introducing a vaccine for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Poultry industry representatives expressed strong interest in the move, citing heavy economic losses. However, experts cautioned that current HPAI vaccines do not provide sterile immunity and only reduce viral shedding, making further scientific evaluation necessary before a policy shift. Research is currently underway to develop an indigenous HPAI vaccine in line with global standards.
Additionally, DAHD emphasized the importance of developing a predictive modelling and early warning system to enable timely interventions, reduce bird flu outbreak risk, and improve preparedness.
Current Bird Flu Outbreak Status
From January 1 to April 4, 2025, outbreaks have been reported in eight states: Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Bihar. A total of 34 epicentres have been identified, with six remaining active in Jharkhand, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh.
Alarmingly, the bird flu virus has also affected non-poultry species, including wild birds and even big cats:
- Maharashtra: Tiger, leopard, vulture, crow, hawk, egret
- Madhya Pradesh: Pet cat
- Rajasthan: Demoiselle crane, painted stork
- Bihar: Crow
- Goa: Jungle cat
National Bird Flu Control Measures
India continues to follow a “detect and cull” policy, which involves the immediate culling of infected birds, movement restrictions, and disinfection within a 1 km radius of bird flu outbreak sites. Daily reporting by state authorities has been mandated to ensure transparency and swift action.
Surveillance has been extended to other species, and test results from cattle, goats, and pigs have been negative. Central outbreak response teams have been deployed to assist state-level efforts.
Under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Scheme, affected farmers are compensated for losses, with costs shared 50:50 between the Centre and State governments.
India is also contributing to the global bird flu response by sharing H5N1 genetic sequence data with international health networks to support research and preparedness.
Stakeholders and Institutions Involved
The meeting was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including poultry associations, vaccine manufacturers, and institutions such as ICAR-NIHSAD, ICAR-IVRI, ICAR-CARI, ICAR-NIVEDI, and the ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research.
As the situation evolves, DAHD reaffirmed its commitment to proactive bird flu management, scientific coordination, and collaboration with both domestic and international partners.
