Context:

The Andhra Pradesh government has officially declared an outbreak of bird flu (H5N1) in multiple districts. On April 4, 2025, an order was issued designating West Godavari, East Godavari, Kurnool, Eluru, NTR, and Kakinada as infected zones and surveillance zones to contain the spread of the virus.

About H5N1 Virus:

H5N1 is a highly pathogenic influenza virus that primarily affects birds but can occasionally infect humans. The virus is not easily transmitted between humans, but when it does, the mortality rate can be as high as 60%. For comparison, the most severe COVID-19 variants had a mortality rate of around 3%.

India has recorded only two confirmed human cases of H5N1 to date, both of which were fatal.

Global History of H5N1 in Humans

The first human infections of H5N1 were reported in 1997 in Hong Kong during a poultry outbreak. Since then, cases have been mostly confined to Asia, with occasional reports from Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Nearly all known cases resulted from direct contact with infected birds.

Government Response and Preventive Measures

• Statewide Fever Screenings: All district medical officers have been directed to screen hospital and health center visitors for fever and related symptoms.
• Poultry Culling: Officials identified five affected poultry farms in Badampudi (Eluru district), Velpur and Kanur (West Godavari district), and Gampalagudem (NTR district) where dozens of chickens died, allegedly due to bird flu. Hundreds of chickens from these and nearby farms have been culled as a precaution.
• Red Zone Restrictions: A one-kilometer radius around infected sites has been declared a red zone. Movement and feeding of animals within these zones have been restricted.
• Central Government Guidelines: Guidelines for controlling the outbreak have been issued to local authorities to prevent further spread.

Conclusion

The bird flu outbreak in Andhra Pradesh highlights the importance of vigilance, containment measures, and public awareness. While human cases remain rare, the government’s preventive actions, including poultry culling and red zone restrictions, aim to control the virus and prevent further spread. Continued monitoring and public cooperation will be crucial in mitigating the risks associated with H5N1.