In a significant development for India’s poultry sector, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has granted approval for India’s self-declaration of freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in specific poultry compartments. This recognition underlines India’s commitment to maintaining animal health and stringent biosecurity standards.
Understanding Zoning and Compartmentalization:
Zoning and compartmentalization are strategic tools used to create and manage groups of animals with specific health statuses. This is crucial for international trade and disease control. Compartmentalization, in particular, defines a sub-group of animals with a specific health status within the country’s territory. To maintain this status, stringent management and husbandry practices are followed, aligning with WOAH’s Terrestrial Code and specific disease recommendations.
Avian Influenza in India:
India encountered its first Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak, commonly known as Bird Flu, in 2006. Subsequently, the country has faced annual HPAI outbreaks in various regions, resulting in significant economic losses. The disease has been reported in 24 states and union territories, leading to the culling of over 9 million birds to curb its spread.
India’s approach to HPAI control revolves around a “detect and cull” policy, as detailed in the National Action Plan for Prevention, Control, and Containment of Avian Influenza (revised – 2021). This approach involves the humane destruction of infected and exposed animals, eggs, feed, litter, and other contaminated materials. Additional measures include restrictions on poultry and poultry product movement, premises disinfection, and a Post-Operative Surveillance Plan (POSP). It’s essential to note that India does not permit vaccination against HPAI.
Compartmentalization as a Crucial Measure:
Despite the challenges, India has proactively adopted poultry compartmentalization to mitigate HPAI risks. Compartmentalization is a vital tool for improving animal health, reducing disease outbreak risks, and facilitating poultry and poultry product trade.
WOAH Approval of Self-Declaration:
On October 13, 2023, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, submitted a self-declaration of freedom from High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in 26 poultry compartments to WOAH. This self-declaration coincided with World Egg Day and was subsequently approved by WOAH. These compartments are situated in four Indian states: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
This approval by WOAH not only underscores India’s dedication to international biosecurity standards but also enhances the export prospects of Indian poultry and related products, including meat and eggs. India, being the world’s third-largest egg producer (129.60 billion) and the fifth-largest poultry meat producer (4.47 million tonnes), is poised to benefit from this recognition.
