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Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affect birds, but can sometimes spread to mammals including humans. Recent outbreaks in India have motivated the government to control the spread and implement various measures to protect both chicken and public health. Mint It is said that what is going on, how worried you should be, and what steps are being taken to include it.
What is the cause of bird flu, and what are the symptoms?
Bird flu influenza is caused by viruses that occur naturally in wild aquatic birds worldwide. These viruses can spread to domestic chicken and other animals.
In birds, symptoms include sudden death, lethargy, low hunger and egg production, head swelling and respiratory or digestive issues.
Although rare, human infection can occur through close contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces, usually through drops. Human symptoms are mild fever and cough to severe respiratory disease.
India’s bird flu status and concerns
As of 24 July 2025, India has reported 41 cases of Avian Influenza in domestic poultry in 10 states: Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and according to Oshsha, according to the Minister of State for Father.
A worrisome new trend, detection of viruses in etipical hosts such as tigers, lions, leopards and domestic cats is worried that the virus can be compatible with new species. While the risk for humans remains low, this cross-species transmission underlines the need for continuous vigilance.
Historical tendency to outbreak of avian influenza in India
India saw its worst year in 2021, with 118 bird flu outbreaks. Cases fell rapidly over the following years – 22 in 2022 and again in 2023 before 49 in 15–2024.
India has reported 41 outbreaks so far in 2025. While the number remains below the summit of 2021, the resurrection is focusing renewed.
What steps are being taken by India?
India has started a series of measures to include bird flu outbreaks:
- Implementation of National Action Plan for Prevention, Control and Control of Avian Influenza (2021) and Poultry Disease Action Plan (2024).
- Increased monitoring and rapid response protocols through a dedicated National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJOT).
- Support to establish and upgrade laboratories to states and provide financial assistance to make up for affected poultry owners
- AI-based initial warning system for deployment of nadres_v2, disease forecasting
Is there a vaccine available in India?
Yes. India has approved an indigenous low-path-platogenic avian influenza (H9N2) vaccine developed by ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal.
Technology was transferred to Indian private companies starting in late 2022, in which the products became available in early 2025. This vaccination is part of India’s strategy to manage and prevent the disease and reduce economic losses.
What is the global status of H5N1 Avian Influenza in 2025?
Avian influenza is a global concern.
Europe: Constant outbreaks in wild and domestic birds; According to European Center for Disease Prevention and Control and Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Unusual Detection in Sheep
America: Cases running in poultry and wild birds; The virus has also infected dairy cattle in the US, which by July 2025, for 41 human affairs, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, US.
Asia: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cambodia has reported several human H5N1 cases, which are up to 14 by the end of July.
Growing spillover for mammals, including livestock, indicates changes in the behavior of the virus and demands strong global coordination.
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