Avian Influenza: Centre issues states advisory demanding alertness

New Delhi: The Union Government asked states to be alert for unusual deaths amongst domestic birds and poultry. It also directed the states to share information with the Animal Husbandry Department immediately to initiate a public action plan for Avian influenza, PTI reported.

National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying issued a joint advisory on May 25, where it is mentioned that the states of Andhra Pradesh (Nellore), Maharashtra (Nagpur), Kerala (Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta districts), and Jharkhand (Ranchi) reported Avian influenza outbreaks in poultry.

The joint advisory said, "Given that Avian Influenza (H5N1) infection is highly pathogenic and has the potential to be transmitted to humans, it is imperative to take all necessary measures to minimize and prevent the spread of this infection."

Avian Influenza, or bird flu virus, is carried around the world by migratory birds and is known to cause local outbreaks when they come in contact with birds.

The main virus in the classification is the H5N1, which has been behind multiple outbreaks among poultry across the world. The virus species of HPAI and LPAI have occasionally affected mammals, including humans.

The advisory suggested that human infections could be from direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments. However, there were random and irregular reports of outbreaks in humans and birds and reports of cattle being affected. Avian influenza arrived from multiple states in the US in 2024, causing a human case of H521.

"Be vigilant for any unusual deaths amongst the domestic birds/poultry in your state, and if observed, please share the information immediately with the Department of Animal Husbandry so that public health action can be initiated as per the national action plan for Avian Influenza," the joint advisory said.