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NEW DELHI: In a significant development that would open up new opportunities for Indian poultry in the global market, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has approved the country’s self-declaration of freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in specific poultry compartments (approved farms) in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
India is currently the third-largest producer of eggs (130 billion) and the fifth-largest producer of poultry meat (4.5 million tonnes) in the world. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, India exported poultry and poultry products to 64 countries, generating revenue of 134 million USD.
Zoning and compartmentalization are strategic tools used to establish and maintain groups of animals with specific health statuses for the purposes of international trade and disease prevention or control. It involves defining a sub-population of animals with a specified health status within the national territory.
“The maintenance of this status relies on stringent management and husbandry practices that adhere to the standards outlined in the WOAH terrestrial code and recommendations related to specific disease chapters,” said a statement from the ministry of fisheries and animal husbandry that had submitted a self-declaration of freedom from (HPAI) in 26 poultry compartments in four states to the (WOAH).
Referring to the approval that came on Friday, coinciding with World Egg Day, the ministry a day after said, “This recognition by WOAH signifies India’s commitment to international biosecurity standards and will contribute to enhancing the export potential of Indian poultry and poultry products, including meat and eggs.”
Bird flu was first detected in India in Maharashtra in February 2006. Since then, the country has experienced its annual outbreaks in different regions, leading to substantial economic losses. The disease had been reported in 24 states and union territories, resulting in the culling of over 9 million birds to control its spread, in the past.
India is currently the third-largest producer of eggs (130 billion) and the fifth-largest producer of poultry meat (4.5 million tonnes) in the world. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, India exported poultry and poultry products to 64 countries, generating revenue of 134 million USD.
Zoning and compartmentalization are strategic tools used to establish and maintain groups of animals with specific health statuses for the purposes of international trade and disease prevention or control. It involves defining a sub-population of animals with a specified health status within the national territory.
“The maintenance of this status relies on stringent management and husbandry practices that adhere to the standards outlined in the WOAH terrestrial code and recommendations related to specific disease chapters,” said a statement from the ministry of fisheries and animal husbandry that had submitted a self-declaration of freedom from (HPAI) in 26 poultry compartments in four states to the (WOAH).
Referring to the approval that came on Friday, coinciding with World Egg Day, the ministry a day after said, “This recognition by WOAH signifies India’s commitment to international biosecurity standards and will contribute to enhancing the export potential of Indian poultry and poultry products, including meat and eggs.”
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Self-declaration: Global animal health body OKs India’s bird flu self-declaration