Did India Witness 41 Bird Flu Outbreaks Across 10 States in 2025?
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Synopsis
In 2025, India faced a significant challenge with 41 bird flu outbreaks across 10 states, raising concerns about the spread of the virus to non-avian species. The government is taking proactive measures to combat this threat, including enhanced surveillance and a national action plan.
Key Takeaways
- 41 bird flu outbreaks reported in India in 2025.
- 10 states affected, including Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
- Confirmed infections in non-avian species.
- Government initiatives include a National Action Plan for prevention.
- Financial support for affected poultry owners is in place.
New Delhi, July 31 (NationPress) The Union government has reported 41 outbreaks of bird flu across 10 states in India during 2025, highlighting a persistent surge in avian activity throughout the nation.
In a formal statement to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, confirmed the presence of the bird flu virus in non-avian species, including tigers, lions, leopards, and domestic cats.
This broadens the host range considerably and raises concerns about potential spillover events affecting humans.
However, when compared to the previous five years, 2025 has seen a decline in outbreaks linked to the H9N1 virus.
“As of July 24, there have been 41 cases this year, a decrease from 49 in 2024. The peak was in 2021 with 118 incidents recorded,” stated Baghel.
“Conversely, the lowest number of outbreaks was observed in 2023, with only 15 incidents,” he added.
Reported bird flu outbreaks in domestic poultry have been confirmed in states including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
To tackle this escalating threat, Baghel noted that the government has initiated several measures focused on prevention, surveillance, and quick response.
The government has established the National Action Plan for Prevention, Control, and Containment of Avian Influenza (Revised 2021), which outlines comprehensive guidelines for preparedness, identification, reporting of affected areas, culling operations, and implementation of biosecurity measures, among other strategies.
All States/UTs have received advisories to bolster preparedness for the upcoming winter migratory bird season, with enhanced surveillance in high-risk regions in collaboration with wildlife and health authorities.
A Poultry Disease Action Plan, 2024, has also been crafted to foster a resilient and disease-free poultry sector.
Additionally, States/UTs are receiving financial support to compensate affected poultry owners for the culling of birds.
Financial aid is also allocated for strengthening laboratories, promoting research and innovation, and enhancing training/awareness on vital topics, including good animal husbandry practices, biosecurity/sanitary measures, and timely reporting of unusual mortality events.
A National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT), consisting of members from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, National Centre for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research, and Indian Council of Agriculture Research, has been formed to investigate outbreaks and coordinate field responses for control and containment operations.
The deployment of a Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H9N2) vaccine has also been authorized, utilizing a domestically developed seed strain to bolster disease prevention efforts in the nation, the Minister added.
Point of View
I firmly believe that the government’s proactive measures against bird flu are essential for public health and safety. The rising number of outbreaks emphasizes the need for continuous vigilance and swift action to mitigate any potential risks to both wildlife and human populations.
NationPress
01/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of bird flu outbreaks in India?
In 2025, India has reported 41 bird flu outbreaks primarily across 10 states, indicating an ongoing concern for avian diseases.
Which states are most affected by bird flu in 2025?
The states most impacted include Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
What measures is the government taking to address bird flu?
The government has initiated the National Action Plan for Prevention, Control, and Containment of Avian Influenza, which includes surveillance, rapid response, and financial support for affected poultry owners.
Has the bird flu affected non-avian species?
Yes, the bird flu virus has been confirmed in non-avian species, including tigers, lions, leopards, and domestic cats.
What is the significance of the Poultry Disease Action Plan, 2024?
The Poultry Disease Action Plan aims to create a resilient and disease-free poultry sector, enhancing biosecurity and disease management.
