Sat Mar 01 09:43:11 UTC 2025: ## Bird Flu Outbreak Confirmed in Madhya Pradesh
**New Delhi, March 1, 2025** – The Indian Health Ministry confirmed today an outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. The virus was detected in three pet cats and a live bird market on January 31st.
The Ministry stated that all necessary public health measures, in accordance with the 2021 Action Plan of Animal Husbandry, have been implemented. These measures included the culling of all birds in the affected market, closure of the market for 21 days, and the initiation of control and containment operations.
Sixty-five human samples from individuals who had contact with the affected animals and the market were tested at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. All tests returned negative for the influenza virus.
While Avian Influenza primarily affects birds, it can occasionally spread to mammals. The government has urged all states to increase surveillance and biosecurity measures at poultry farms following recent outbreaks across parts of the country.
First Piper 