H5N1 bird flu: Centre asks States to be vigilant
The HinduThe Centre has asked all States to be vigilant for any unusual deaths amongst the domestic birds and poultry, and share the information with the Animal Husbandry Department immediately so that public health action can be initiated as per the national action plan for Avian influenza. A joint advisory issued on May 25 by the National Centre for Disease Control and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying stated that in 2024, four States — Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Jharkhand — have already reported outbreaks of Avian influenza in poultry. Although there have been sporadic reports in humans and outbreaks among domestic and wild birds, since March 2024, there is a global concern over Avian influenza outbreaks in cattle from multiple States in the U.S. that have resulted in one reported human case of H5N1, the joint advisory stated. "Be vigilant for any unusual deaths amongst the domestic birds/poultry in your state, and if observed, please share the information immediately with the Department of Animal Husbandry so that public health action can be initiated as per the national action plan for Avian Influenza," the joint advisory said.