Bird Flu in India Takes Alarming Turn: Cross-Species Infections Raise Biosecurity Concerns

Pashu Sandesh, 05 April 2025

India is witnessing a troubling escalation in the ongoing bird flu crisis, as the H5N1 strain of avian influenza has now jumped traditional species boundaries and begun infecting a growing list of wild and domestic non-poultry animals. From the death of a child in Andhra Pradesh to confirmed cases in tigers, leopards, jungle cats, and pet cats, the latest outbreak underscores the increasing threat posed by zoonotic diseases.

The situation reached a critical juncture on April 4, when the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) convened a high-level meeting in New Delhi. The meeting, chaired by DAHD Secretary Alka Upadhyaya, brought together scientists, poultry industry representatives, and government officials to address the burgeoning crisis. The key focus was the virus’s alarming ability to cross species lines, its spread across Indian states, and the urgent need for a coordinated containment response.

H5N1’s Unprecedented Spread Across Species

Traditionally associated with poultry, H5N1 has rarely infected other species at this scale. However, between January and early April 2025, confirmed infections in wild and domestic non-poultry species have been reported in multiple states. In Maharashtra alone, the virus has affected tigers, leopards, vultures, crows, hawks, and egrets. Madhya Pradesh reported a pet cat testing positive for the virus, while in Rajasthan, demoiselle cranes and painted storks have fallen ill.

Other states including Bihar and Goa have reported infections in crows and jungle cats. This broader host range has raised alarm bells within the scientific community, indicating a potential virus mutation that could pose serious public health implications. Wildlife infections also suggest serious gaps in biosecurity and surveillance systems, especially in regions where human-animal interactions are frequent.

A Child’s Death and Multiple Outbreaks

The most concerning development came with the death of a child in Andhra Pradesh due to H5N1, a rare but highly fatal event that immediately prompted public health fears. Concurrently, poultry farms across eight states—Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Bihar—have reported confirmed outbreaks.

As of April 4, there are 34 identified epicentres of infection, six of which remain active. Districts like Bokaro and Pakur in Jharkhand, Ranga Reddy and Nalgonda in Telangana, and Baikunthpur in Chhattisgarh have emerged as current hotspots. In Andhra Pradesh, authorities have declared several districts—including Kurnool, Eluru, East and West Godavari, NTR, and Kakinada—as infected zones. Poultry movement within a 10 km radius has been restricted in these areas.

Government’s Three-Pronged Response

In response to the rapidly evolving crisis, DAHD has announced a three-pronged strategy aimed at containment and prevention:

1. Stricter Biosecurity Measures: Poultry farms across India have been directed to enhance hygiene protocols, limit access, and implement rigorous disinfection procedures.

2. Mandatory Registration and Surveillance: All poultry farms are required to register with their respective state animal husbandry departments within a month. This step aims to improve traceability and ensure swift response in case of future outbreaks.

3. Early Warning Systems and Predictive Modelling: DAHD is investing in advanced environmental surveillance tools and predictive modelling systems that could provide early alerts on potential outbreaks, particularly during high-risk seasons like the winter migratory bird period.

Secretary Upadhyaya emphasized the critical role of the poultry sector in India’s food security and rural economy. “Protecting our poultry sector is critical for food security and rural livelihoods. Strict biosecurity, scientific surveillance, and responsible industry practices are essential in our fight against Bird Flu,” she stated during the meeting.

Vaccination: Promise and Caution

India has made progress on the vaccine front as well. The DAHD has approved commercial use of the H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) vaccine developed by ICAR-NIHSAD. A nationwide evaluation of its efficacy is now underway.

However, the introduction of a vaccine for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains a contentious issue. While poultry industry leaders are pressing for a vaccine to avoid further economic damage, virologists and epidemiologists are cautious. Current HPAI vaccines, experts argue, do not offer sterile immunity and only reduce viral shedding, which could complicate disease detection and control.

To address these concerns, DAHD has initiated the development of an indigenous HPAI vaccine, alongside conducting further scientific evaluations of international vaccine candidates.

Test, Cull, and Monitor: India’s Ongoing Approach

Despite advancements in vaccine research, India continues to follow the established “test and cull” strategy for HPAI. This involves rapid identification of infection zones, immediate culling of infected birds, strict movement restrictions, and disinfection of premises within a 1 km radius.

Surveillance has been scaled up significantly, not just among poultry but also among non-poultry species. This includes wildlife sanctuaries and areas with high migratory bird populations. Genome sequencing of H5N1 isolates is being shared with international databases to assist global disease monitoring efforts.

Central teams and the National Joint Outbreak Response Team are collaborating closely with state governments and wildlife authorities to ensure coordinated efforts on the ground.

Looking Ahead

The cross-species transmission of H5N1 in India marks a disturbing new chapter in the global battle against avian influenza. While India’s containment efforts appear robust on paper, the real test lies in consistent implementation, cross-sector coordination, and public compliance.

As the world continues to grapple with the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of new zoonotic threats like H5N1 underscores the need for stronger “One Health” policies—recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

For now, India's immediate focus remains on halting the spread, protecting rural livelihoods, and ensuring that this outbreak doesn’t spiral into another public health emergency. But the message is clear: the line between animal and human disease threats is becoming thinner—and the time to act is now.