Animal · Human · Environment
High priority zoonosis
Avian Influenza (H5N1)
Influenza A virus subtype causing severe disease in poultry with sporadic spillover to humans. A WHO priority pathogen and one of India's top zoonotic disease surveillance targets.
Pathogen
Influenza A virus (H5N1, H5N6, H7N9 etc.)
Reservoir
Wild aquatic birds → poultry
Incubation
2–17 days (typically 2–5)
CFR (Humans, confirmed)
~50% (WHO)
Transmission & Risk Groups
Spread occurs primarily through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated surfaces, droplets in poultry environments, and (rarely) human-to-human. Live bird markets, backyard poultry, and waterfowl-shorebird interfaces are recurring hotspots.
Highest-risk groups
- Poultry farm workers and cullers
- Live bird market workers & transporters
- Veterinarians, lab personnel
- Backyard poultry farming households
Symptoms (humans)
- Fever (often >38°C), cough, sore throat
- Muscle aches, malaise
- Severe: pneumonia, respiratory failure, ARDS
- Conjunctivitis (some subtypes)
Prevention & Control
- Biosecurity in farms: isolation of birds, controlled feed/water sources, disinfection, restricted access.
- Culling & compensation: rapid stamping-out with appropriate compensation to ensure reporting.
- Surveillance: active surveillance in wetlands & live bird markets; passive reporting via Bharat Pashudhan + NADRS.
- PPE for workers: respirators, gloves, eye protection, post-exposure antivirals.
- Vaccination: seasonal vaccination of poultry where indicated; seasonal influenza vaccine for at-risk workers.
- One Health coordination: joint outbreak response between MoHFW, DAHD, MoEFCC, and state forest depts.
Cases by District (last 7 days)
Case Trend