India: Highly pathogenic avian influenza
Between 1 January and 4 April 2025, India has witnessed continued outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) across both domestic poultry and non-poultry species. According to a press release published by the India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a total of 34 epicentres have been identified in domestic poultry across eight states. Of these, six epicentres remain active, spanning three states: Jharkhand (Bokaro and Pakur), Telangana (Ranga Reddy, Nalgonda, and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri), and Chhattisgarh (Baikunthpur and Korea).
Notably, HPAI has also spilled over to non-poultry species, raising concerns. In Maharashtra, infections have been reported in tigers, leopards, vultures, crows, hawks, and egrets. Madhya Pradesh reported a case in a pet cat, while Rajasthan saw infections in demoiselle cranes and painted storks. Bihar and Goa reported cases in crows and a jungle cat, respectively. The involvement of wildlife and domestic pets underscores the potential ecological and zoonotic implications of the outbreak.
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has implemented a series of initiatives to control and prevent the spread of HPAI in India. The country follows a strict "detect and culling" policy, which involves culling infected birds, restricting movement, and disinfecting areas within a 1 km radius of outbreaks.
