Despite the fact that media reports have indicated the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza strain H5N8 in eight states with extensive losses, Dr. Atul Chaturvedi, the Secretary, of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairy of the Government of India officially reported on outbreaks confined to the state of Kerala on January 9, 2021.  The outbreaks in this State commenced on December 21st and were confirmed on January 4th. 2021.

The outbreaks have been widely publicized in eight affected states and predictably resulted in a sharp decline in consumption of both eggs and meat as is the traditional response to reports of avian influenza.  Although there is no evidence of infectivity among consumers from eggs or poultry meat from flocks infected with H5N8, it is a consistent observation that consumer resistance follows any rumor or report of avian influenza.  This has led to suppression of official notification of mortality in the high density areas of egg and broiler production in India complicating diagnosis and control measures.

Schadenfreude aside, it will be interesting to observe the effect of H5N8 outbreaks on the growing export market for eggs and egg products enjoyed by India especially to the Middle East and whether embargoes will generate opportunities for the Ukraine, Poland or even the U.S.