The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on Monday issued an disease alert on the recurrence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Kerala. This notification signals the return of a virus previously considered eradicated in the region, with the initial outbreak recorded on December 9, 2025.

WOAH is a global body responsible for monitoring animal health worldwide, ensuring transparency in animal disease reporting and setting science-based standards to prevent and control animal diseases, including avian influenza.

Major observations in the report

According to the WOAH report, the 11 outbreaks have placed 84,389 domestic birds at risk. The impact has been devastating, with 54,100 deaths recorded and an additional 30,289 birds killed and disposed of to contain the spread. Diagnostic testing conducted at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal confirmed the presence of the H5N1 subtype through rRT-PCR.

The surge in infections was primarily concentrated across two districts, affecting various farming units:

  • Alappuzha (Integrated rice–duck systems): Outbreaks were detected in Ward 5 (Punnapra South), Ward 8 (Ambalappuzha South), Ward 6 (Purakkad), Ward 1 (Cheruthana), Ward 16 (Karuvatta), Ward 10 (Thakazhy), and Ward 4 (Karthikappally).
  • Alappuzha (Farms): An additional outbreak was reported at Ward 5 in Nedumudi.
  • Kottayam: The virus struck poultry farms in Ward 37 and Ward 38 (Kottayam Municipality), as well as Ward 5 in Kurupamthara, Manjoor, where the outbreak was detected in quail.

The origin of the infection remains unknown or inconclusive. In response, authorities have deployed a range of control measures to halt the transmission:

  • Quarantine and movement control have been enforced.
  • Stamping out and official disposal of carcasses, waste, and by-products.
  • Disinfection of affected premises.
  • Surveillance and screening programs are active both inside and outside restricted zones.

The event status is currently listed as ongoing.