Over 54,000 birds culled as highly pathogenic H5N1 strain spreads across farms in Kerala
NEW DELHI: India has reported 11 outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu on poultry farms in the state of Kerala, a region known for its large poultry industry. The outbreaks, which were first detected earlier this month, have led to the deaths of over 54,000 birds, and officials have responded by culling additional flocks to prevent further spread of the disease.
This marks the first outbreak of H5N1 in India since May 2025, raising concerns over the potential impact on both the poultry industry and food safety. Authorities are working to contain the virus, which has been found in several districts within Kerala. The virus is highly contagious among poultry and can be transmitted to humans, though human-to-human transmission remains rare.
Local health officials and veterinary experts are closely monitoring the situation. They have urged poultry farmers in the affected areas to increase biosecurity measures and report any unusual bird deaths to local authorities immediately. The government has also issued a directive to prevent the movement of poultry and poultry products from the affected farms.
The outbreak of H5N1 is not just a threat to public health but also a major blow to India’s poultry sector, which supplies a significant portion of the country’s chicken and egg consumption. The country had previously dealt with bird flu outbreaks in several regions, including Haryana and Punjab, and now faces the challenge of managing this new wave of infections. While there have been no immediate reports of human cases in the current outbreak, authorities are stepping up surveillance in Kerala and surrounding states to monitor any potential spread of the virus. This incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of strict regulations and hygiene practices within the poultry industry.
