India Reports 11 High-Risk Bird Flu Outbreaks, Over 54,000 Birds Affected

India has recorded 11 outbreaks of high-risk H5N1 avian influenza over the past month, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). 

The outbreaks have raised concerns for both the poultry industry and public health authorities due to the virus’s potential to disrupt food supply and, in rare cases, infect humans.

Authorities reported that 54,100 birds, mostly ducks, died from the virus, and an additional 30,289 birds were culled as a precautionary measure to contain the spread.

The H5N1 strain of bird flu first emerged in Asia in the 1990s and has since caused millions of bird deaths worldwide. 

While human infections are rare, they typically occur through direct contact with infected birds or their secretions, making early detection and containment in poultry farms critical.

The first new outbreaks in India were identified in Kerala on December 9 and officially confirmed on December 22. 

These are the first reported cases among poultry in the country since May, highlighting the need for ongoing veterinary monitoring and preventive measures.

State authorities in Kerala have urged farmers to maintain strict health surveillance, implement disinfection and biosecurity protocols, and report any suspicious symptoms immediately to prevent further spread.

The latest outbreaks come amid global disruptions in the poultry sector, with H5N1 outbreaks recently reported across Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, affecting meat and egg supplies and driving up prices in both domestic and international markets.