Bird flu, scientifically known as avian influenza, has re-emerged as a serious health issue in India. The Union government confirmed 41 outbreaks in 2025, primarily affecting 10 states: Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. According to Minister of State SP Singh Baghel, these outbreaks highlight the vulnerability of India’s poultry sector and raise public health concerns due to the virus’s potential to infect humans. Globally, bird flu is feared because certain strains, like H5N1 and H7N9, have previously caused human infections with high mortality rates. Understanding the symptoms, spread, treatment, and preventive strategies is essential to control future risks.
What is bird flu
Bird flu, scientifically known as avian influenza, is a type of viral infection that mainly affects birds such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys. It is caused by influenza A viruses, most commonly H5N1, H5N8, and H7N9 strains. While these viruses primarily infect birds, some strains can also infect humans, usually after close contact with infected poultry, bird droppings, or contaminated environments.
Symptoms of bird flu in humans
Bird flu symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, often mimicking seasonal flu at the initial stage. Know the typical symptoms:
- High fever and chills: Early indication of viral infection.
- Cough and sore throat: Common respiratory symptoms.
- Muscle pain and fatigue: A result of the immune system fighting the virus.
- Difficulty breathing: Severe cases may lead to pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
Unlike normal flu, bird flu often progresses rapidly and can lead to respiratory failure if untreated, underscoring the need for early medical care.
How bird flu spreads to humans
Transmission risk is primarily linked to direct contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. According to experts, infection can occur through:
- Handling infected poultry: Touching live or dead birds, feathers, or droppings.
- Food preparation exposure: Slaughtering, cleaning, or cooking infected birds without proper safety measures.
- Environmental contamination: Visiting areas like poultry farms or markets where infected birds were present.
Currently, human-to-human transmission is rare, but health authorities monitor closely due to past instances of limited human spread during major outbreaks.
Is there a cure for bird flu
As reported, currently, there is no permanent cure for bird flu. However, it can be treated:
- Certain antiviral medications can reduce severity and shorten illness duration if given early.
- Supportive care (oxygen therapy, fluids, rest) is essential in severe cases.
- For poultry, culling infected birds and strict biosecurity measures help stop outbreaks.
Preventive measures to limit Bird Flu spread
To reduce infection risk, experts recommend:
- Avoid direct contact with wild or sick birds.
- Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly to destroy viruses.
- Practice strict hand hygiene after handling raw poultry.
- Report unusual bird deaths to authorities for rapid containment.
Public health surveillance and vaccination of poultry flocks are critical steps to reduce the chances of a zoonotic spillover (when diseases jump from animals to humans).
How bird flu is more dangerous than normal flu
Bird flu outbreaks impact not only public health but also economic stability, especially in agriculture and poultry. Past outbreaks have led to mass culling of birds, trade restrictions, and food price fluctuations. On a global scale, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that certain strains could mutate, increasing the risk of human-to-human transmission, which could spark future pandemics.
- Higher mortality rate – Some bird flu strains, like H5N1, have a death rate of up to 60%, compared to <0.1% for seasonal flu.
- Risk of human transmission – Currently rare, but if it mutates to spread easily between people, it could trigger a global pandemic.
- Severe health impact – Bird flu often causes pneumonia, respiratory failure, and organ damage, unlike mild seasonal flu symptoms.
- No universal vaccine – Seasonal flu has a yearly shot; bird flu vaccines are strain-specific and limited.
- Economic damage – Outbreaks cause mass poultry culling and disrupt food supply chains.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor if you suspect bird flu symptoms.Also Read | Delhi’s toxic air quality fuels lung cancer surge; experts warn of rising cases among non-smokers; know the 5 common causes beyond smoking