World Organisation for Animal Health Approves Self Declaration of Freedom from Avian Influenza in Indian Poultry Compartments

Source: The post is based on the article “World Organisation for Animal Health Approves Self Declaration of Freedom from Avian Influenza in Indian Poultry Compartments” published in “PIB” on 16th October 2023

What is the News?

World Organisation for Animal Health(WOAH) has approved India’s self-declaration of freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza(HPAI) in specific poultry compartments.

What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza(HPAI)?

Avian influenza is also known as ‘bird flu’.It is a disease primarily affecting birds.It is caused by a virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family.

It can generally be classified into two categories:

– The Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (LPAIV) can cause a mild illness, often unnoticed or without any symptoms. 

– The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) causes serious illness in birds that can spread rapidly, resulting in high death rates in different species of birds.

Note: Most of the influenza viruses circulating in birds are not zoonotic. However, some HPAI strains have the ability to infect humans.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza(HPAI) in India: HPAI was first detected in India in the state of Maharashtra in 2006. 

– Since then, India has experienced annual outbreaks of HPAI in different regions, leading to substantial economic losses.

India’s approach to controlling HPAI: India follows a “detect and cull” policy as outlined in the National Action Plan for Prevention, Control, and Containment of Avian Influenza (revised – 2021). 

– The policy approach includes the 1) humane destruction of infected and exposed animals, eggs, feed, litter and other contaminated materials and 2) restricting the movement of poultry and poultry products, disinfection and clean-up of infected premises.

Note: India does not permit vaccination against HPAI.

What is the significance of WOAH approving India’s self-declaration of freedom from HPAI?

This approval by WOAH signifies India’s commitment to international biosecurity standards.

It will also contribute to enhancing the export potential of Indian poultry and poultry products, including meat and eggs. 

Note: India is the third-largest producer of eggs and the fifth-largest producer of poultry meat globally.