Avian Flu | 09 Jan 2026

Source:TH

A fresh outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) in Kuttanad, Kerala has once again disrupted its centuries-old duck-rearing tradition, raising serious concerns about livelihoods, biodiversity, and rural sustainability.

• The latest outbreak has already killed ~55,000 birds, with another 25,000 set to be culled as a preventive measure.
• Indigenous duck breeds like Chara and Chembally face a risk of local extinction.
• Avian influenza A(H5N1): It is a highly pathogenic virus that primarily circulates among birds but can also infect mammals. 
• History: First detected in China in 1996, it has since evolved into a global threat. India reported its first outbreak in Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2015. 
  • Beyond poultry, H5N1 has caused widespread mortality among wild birds, including endangered species like the California condor, and has spilled over to marine mammals such as sea lions and dolphins as well as terrestrial mammals like foxes, pumas,  and  bears.
• Transmission: Human infection with avian influenza is rare and occurs mainly through direct contact with infected birds or their secretions, especially in poultry farms and live bird markets. 
  • Human-to-human transmission remains extremely rare. The virus continues to evolve, and if it mutates to allow sustained human-to-human transmission, it could trigger a global pandemic.  Hence, H5N1 is listed as a priority disease under WHO R&D Blueprint.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include high fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. 
  • Severe cases may progress to respiratory failure or neurological complications, while some exposed individuals remain asymptomatic.
• Treatment: Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir are effective, particularly when given early in severe or high-risk cases.