A fresh outbreak of avian influenza is sweeping through poultry farms in Maharashtra's Nandurbar district, forcing authorities to cull nearly 400,000 birds and destroy over 2.1 million eggs. With this marking the third major flu crisis in the region since 2006, the local poultry industry is reeling, having seen the number of operational farms drop significantly over the years. In response, a central government team is scheduled to visit the area next week to assess the damage and oversee containment efforts. District officials have mobilized 25 teams and 150 staff members to conduct culling operations within a one-kilometer radius of affected sites, while simultaneously carrying out door-to-door health screenings for local residents.

The threat is not confined to Maharashtra; the H5N1 virus has also surfaced in Karnataka, where the death of 45 peacocks prompted heightened surveillance across state zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. Experts note that while the virus primarily impacts birds, its zoonotic potential remains a major public health concern, as it can occasionally jump to mammals and humans through contact with contaminated fluids or habitats. As samples are processed at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal, authorities are urging vigilance and maintaining strict control measures to prevent further spread across the country.