Parliament Question: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Kerala

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5212 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.03.2026 AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) IN KERALA 5212. SHRI K C VENUGOPAL: SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH: Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING मत्स्यपालन, पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री be pleased to state: (a) whether cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) have been reported in Kerala during the last five years, particularly affecting duck and poultry (hen) populations; (b) the details of outbreaks reported, number of birds culled in the State and district during the said period; (c) the number of farmers affected by these outbreaks, State and district-wise, during the last five years; (d) whether compensation has been paid or is being planned for the affected farmers, including the details of amounts disbursed during the said period and also in the previous such outbreaks; (e) the preventive measures taken by the Central Government in coordination with the State Government to control the spread of Bird Flu, including surveillance, biosecurity protocols and movement restrictions; (f) whether any special assistance or relief package has been provided to duck farmers in regions such as Kuttanad and other wetland areas where outbreaks are frequent; (g) the long-term strategy formulated to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, vaccination research and early warning systems to protect poultry farmers and ensure food safety; and (h) the steps being taken to contain the future outbreaks including National Action Plan for Avian Influenza, establishment of advanced diagnostic labs in Kerala, promotion of insurance schemes for poultry farmers, etc.? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY & DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH) (a) to (c) As per the information received from the state of Kerala, the district-wise details of cases of outbreak reported, culled birds, farmers affected and fund sanctioned in Kerala during the last five years is placed as Annexure-I (d) to (h) This Ministry provides financial assistance to States under Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD) of Livestock Health & Disease Control programme (LHDCP) on 50:50 sharing basis for culling compensation at prescribed rates in respect of Avian Influenza as preventive measure as per state request. There is no provision in the scheme for special assistance, insurance or relief package with regard to Avian Influenza. The steps taken by this Ministry to support the State to strengthen disease prevention and control measures, surveillance, diagnostic capacity, early warning etc are as under:i. The National Action Plan for Prevention, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza has been formulated and circulated to the States/UTs. ii. Advisories issued in advance for strengthening surveillance in high risk areas, enforcing biosecurity protocols, awareness to stakeholders, timely reporting of unusual mortality, coordination with stakeholders etc. iii. Based on State demand and scheme guidelines, financial support is provided under ASCAD for awareness, prevention and control of state prioritized livestock diseases, strengthening of Laboratories. During the last five years Central share of Rs. 2843.86 lakh has been released to the State which includes Rs. 520.42 lakh for compensation. iv. Regular sensitization of State authorities has been done including the visits of Central Expert Teams and formation of Rapid Response Teams in the State. v. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying , GoI has authorized State Institute of Animal Diseases, Palode for preliminary screening of Avian Influenza. vi. The National Animal Disease Referral Expert System (NADRES_v2) of ICAR- NIVEDI, can be accessed on the designated portal from anywhere anytime for advance preparedness and response.Annexure-I Amount Affected Culled Birds Year District Species Sanctioned Farmers (No) (No) (Rs) Chicken 3212 235740 Malappuram 649 Duck 37 4995 2019-20 Kozhikod Chicken 353 7284 475780 Total 10833 716515 Chicken 141 12690 Kottayam 40 Duck 75314 8988490 2021-22 Chicken 2041 163040 Alappuzha 51 Duck 220849 25851415 Total 91 298345 35015635 Chicken 965 76490 Pathanamthitta 138 Duck 82 11070 Ernakulam Chicken 8 52 1110 Thiruvananthapur Chicken 2260 197870 88 am Duck 1473 198655 2022-23 Chicken 2101 188250 Kozhikodu 65 Duck 14 1890 Chicken 1452 117730 Kottayam 224 Duck 19324 2576640 Chicken 1412 56170 Alappuzha 60 Duck 55242 5970870 Total 583 84377 9396745 2023-24 NIL Chicken 852 127110 Pathanamthitta 62 Duck 5033 805280 Chicken 10061 772690 Kottayam Duck 214 12703 1091650 2024-25 Quail 37 1480 Chicken 58734 3761485 Alappuzha Duck 880 71806 11479060 Quail 9246 293960 Total 1156 168472 18332715 *****