Avian Influenza primarily affects birds and is often transmitted through wild migratory species. With recent outbreaks reported in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh, the Central government has urged all states to enhance surveillance and biosecurity protocols at poultry farms
| Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL
With concerns over avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, resurfacing across India, Telangana has ramped up efforts to safeguard its poultry industry. With cases emerging in neighbouring states and the Central government issuing advisories, State authorities are working to strengthen biosecurity measures, educate poultry farmers, and reassure the public about the safety of poultry consumption.
The situation gained urgency early this month, when the Telangana Animal Husbandry Department issued a circular alerting District Collectors about the threat posed by highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The directive highlighted the need to strengthen biosecurity measures to prevent the virus’s spread and protect the poultry population. The circular also called for heightened awareness among poultry farmers, stakeholders, and the general public, particularly regarding the transportation of sick birds.
Avian Influenza primarily affects birds and is often transmitted through wild migratory species. With recent outbreaks reported in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh, the Central government has urged all states to enhance surveillance and biosecurity protocols at poultry farms.
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza A(H5N1) is a subtype of influenza virus that infects birds and mammals, including humans in rare instances.
Human infections are primarily acquired through direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments. While avian influenza viruses do not currently transmit easily from person to person, the ongoing circulation of these viruses in poultry is concerning, as these viruses can result in mild to severe illness and death, and also have the potential to mutate to become more contagious.
Source: World Health Organization
Ranga Reddy Burri, president of the Infection Control Academy of India, underscored the importance of timely action in preventing the virus’s transmission. “In the past, delays in epidemiological surveys and response measures led to the rapid spread of infections. This year, coordinated efforts between public, private, and government agencies have helped contain the virus in many areas,” he said.
Fears over poultry consumption
The fear has caused many people to stop consuming chicken and eggs, resulting in a decline in demand. As a consequence, the prices of chicken and eggs in Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad, have dropped by at least ₹20 to 30 since the news of the outbreak emerged.
Addressing public concerns over poultry consumption, Dr. Burri dismissed fears surrounding chicken and egg safety. “Avoiding poultry consumption due to bird flu is a knee-jerk reaction. Properly cooked chicken or eggs do not pose any risk. However, since birds are handled at multiple stages before reaching consumers, doubts persist. This uncertainty affects purchasing decisions but has not led to strong protests against poultry consumption.”
Dr. Burri also warned of the potential for the virus to jump from birds to humans, a phenomenon observed in different parts of the world. He stressed that lapses in biosecurity could increase this risk, particularly among poultry handlers with weakened immunity. “To minimise the risk of transmission, stringent biosecurity measures must be maintained. Biosecurity in poultry is the equivalent of infection control in humans,” he explained.
How can meat and eggs be safely prepared?
The WHO five keys to safer food:
Keep clean
Separate raw and cooked foods
Cook thoroughly
Keep food at safe temperature
Use safe water and raw marerials
Source: World Health Organization
Dr. Kiran Madala, Professor of Anaesthesia at Gandhi Medical College, elaborated on the virus’s impact. “Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a viral disease that affects birds. While some birds fall ill, others remain asymptomatic but act as carriers of the virus. This virus has also been detected in mammals, including foxes, minks, seals, and sea lions, and more recently in cows in the United States. In rare cases, humans have been infected through contact with infected birds, mammals, or contaminated environments”.
He further noted that while zoonotic infections from bird flu are infrequent, they carry a high mortality rate. “The human-to-human transmission of bird flu is very limited. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified it as a future threat, indicating that the virus could potentially evolve into a pandemic strain. Monitoring strain patterns is crucial,” he added.
Amid growing concerns, the Telangana Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department, in its latest bulletin issued on February 20, urged the public not to panic, reassuring that properly cooked poultry remains safe for consumption. Officials emphasized that chicken cooked at temperatures above 70°C for at least 30 minutes is safe, in line with Government of India guidelines.
The department has intensified surveillance efforts, conducting inspections at poultry farms and educating farmers on preventive measures, including strict biosecurity protocols. Farmers have been advised to promptly report any unusual bird mortality to the department for timely intervention, the bulletin said.
Published – February 25, 2025 02:20 pm IST
