India has recorded 41 outbreaks of bird flu in 2025, spanning 10 states, according to Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel. The infections have not only impacted domestic poultry but have also spread to non-avian species such as tigers, lions, leopards, and domestic cats, raising concerns about cross-species transmission and potential risks to humans.
📉 Trend Overview:
- 2025: 41 cases (as of July 24)
- 2024: 49 cases
- 2023: 15 cases (lowest in 5 years)
- 2021: 118 cases (highest)
đź“Ť Affected States: Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
🛡️ Government Response:
- Implementation of the National Action Plan for Avian Influenza (Revised 2021) for outbreak control, culling, and biosecurity.
- Launch of the Poultry Disease Action Plan 2024 to strengthen disease resilience.
- Financial support for:
- Compensation to poultry owners
- Laboratory upgrades
- Research and training on biosecurity and animal husbandry
- Formation of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to coordinate investigations and containment efforts.
- Approval of the H9N2 vaccine using an indigenous strain to aid prevention.
With winter migratory bird season approaching, advisories have been issued to all States and UTs to intensify surveillance and preparedness in high-risk zones. The government’s multi-pronged strategy aims to curb the spread and safeguard both animal and public health.