About the disease
Avian Influenza (AI), commonly called "bird flu", is a highly contagious viral disease of birds. The H5N1 subtype is Highly Pathogenic (HPAI): it causes massive mortality in poultry within 24–48 hours and can occasionally cross to humans through direct contact with infected birds.
Human cases are rare but severe. Symptoms include:
- Sudden high fever > 38 °C, cough, sore throat
- Severe muscle aches, malaise
- Difficulty breathing, chest pain, pneumonia
- Conjunctivitis (some subtypes)
- Rapid progression to respiratory failure in severe cases
Person-to-person spread is rare, but any human case demands aggressive containment because of the pandemic-preparedness implications.
Causative agent & transmission
Pathogen
Influenza A virus, subtype H5N1 — family Orthomyxoviridae. Segmented negative-sense single-stranded RNA. Named after two surface glycoproteins: Hemagglutinin (H5) and Neuraminidase (N1).
Natural reservoir
Wild aquatic birds — ducks, geese, waders — are the natural reservoir. Migration along the Central Asian Flyway brings the virus into Indian wetlands each winter.
How it spreads
Direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, saliva, respiratory secretions, contaminated feed, water, cages, transport crates, and dust in poultry sheds.
Human exposure routes
Poultry farm workers, cullers, live bird market workers, backyard poultry households and lab personnel are highest risk. Very rare via well-cooked poultry or eggs — heat destroys the virus.
What is happening right now
Confirmatory RT-PCR was completed at ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal on 05 July 2026. Under the DAHD AI Action Plan, culling has been completed within the 1 km infected zone. Movement of poultry, eggs and dressed meat is prohibited within the 10 km surveillance zone for 90 days. Sero-surveillance under way at all poultry farms in Sangareddy, Rangareddy, and neighbouring districts of Karnataka.
Three human cases with poultry-farm exposure are under observation at Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad. All are on Oseltamivir prophylaxis. Contact tracing complete for 87 household members and 32 co-workers.
Red zones — where extra caution is needed
Confirmed outbreak. Poultry movement banned. All backyard flocks under active surveillance. Do NOT visit affected farms.
Sero-surveillance active. Live bird markets under inspection. Elevated risk from transport chain.
Nation's largest poultry belt (NADCP-sampled). No cases yet. Increased biosecurity and NADCP H9N2 surveillance ongoing.
Migratory season — enhanced surveillance at wetlands and live bird markets. Farmers: monitor and report unusual mortality on 1962.
Step-by-step precautions
Following WHO and WOAH guidance for the general public, poultry workers and residents near an outbreak. Every step below cites the source it is drawn from.
Avoid contact with sick or dead birds — do not touch or move them
WHOWHO advises the public to "strictly avoid contact with sick or dead animals, including wild birds" and to report deceased animals to local authorities. Do NOT bury or burn carcasses yourself — samples must be collected first.
Report suspicious mortality — call 1962
WOAH DAHDWOAH recommends farmers "report any suspicious case (dead or alive) to the veterinary authorities" immediately. In India this is done on the 1962 Animal Helpline or with the District Animal Husbandry Officer under DAHD's national AI Action Plan.
Wash hands with soap and running water — before and after animal contact
WHOWHO advises the public to "clean their hands thoroughly and often, preferably washing their hands with soap and running water" — or with an alcohol-based sanitiser when soap is unavailable. Especially important before eating, drinking or touching your face.
Farm biosecurity — keep wild birds out, control access, clean and disinfect
WOAHWOAH's on-farm recommendations for poultry keepers: "prevent contact between poultry and wild birds" with secure enclosures; "maintain strict control over access to flocks by vehicles, people and equipment"; "clean and disinfect animal housing and equipment"; source birds only from certified suppliers of known disease status.
Handle, store and cook eggs and meat properly — only from healthy animals
WHOWHO notes there is "no evidence" that properly prepared and cooked poultry or eggs can transmit the virus. Key precautions: only consume meat from healthy animals; "animals that have unexpectedly died should not be consumed"; wash surfaces and hands after food preparation.
Respiratory symptoms after outbreak-area travel? Report to health services immediately
WHOWHO advises travellers returning from outbreak regions with respiratory symptoms to "report to local health services" immediately, and to clearly mention poultry or animal contact so appropriate testing (RT-PCR) and antiviral treatment can be started early.