The India Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) will adopt stricter biosecurity measures as part of a plan to control the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The three-pronged strategy was announced April 4 following a meeting attended by scientific experts, poultry industry representatives and policymakers and chaired by Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, secretary, DAHD.
The plan primarily focuses on stricter biosecurity measures, including enhanced hygiene practices, control of farm access and stringent biosecurity protocols to minimize the risk of infection. It also calls for strengthened disease surveillance and the mandatory registration of poultry farms.
According to the strategy, all poultry farms will need to register with state animal husbandry departments within a month. One hundred percent compliance is urged for this final directive.
There were no HPAI cases reported in India in 2024, however multiple cases in both broilers and layers have been reported in 2025, negatively impacting demand for poultry products in the country.
"Protecting our poultry sector is critical for food security and rural livelihoods. Strict biosecurity, scientific surveillance, and responsible industry practices are essential in our fight against bird flu,” said Upadhyaya.
Upadhyaya also emphasized the need for predictive modeling systems for early warning and environmental surveillance for improved diseases detection and response.
Vaccination debate
During the meeting, stakeholders discussed the implementation of an HPAI vaccine program in India. Currently, DAHD permits the use of an H9N2 vaccine for low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and plans to study the vaccine’s effectiveness.
Representatives urged the government to explore HPAI specific vaccination as a strategy to prevent future economic losses, before ultimately concluding that additional science-based assessments are needed before policy decisions can be made.
View our continuing coverage of the global avian influenza situation in poultry, and on disease developments in the U.S. dairy sector.
