The current H5N1 outbreak is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in industrial livestock production and the urgent need for legal reforms in India to address these risks. The virus has crossed species barriers, causing mortality among wildlife and posing a significant threat to human health. The high fatality rate among humans infected with H5N1 highlights the need to prevent spillover events, which are facilitated by the unsanitary and overcrowded conditions in poultry farms.
Cramming chickens into wired cages, or ‘battery cages’, creates contaminated environments that contribute to the spread of disease. The air quality and waste problems associated with these facilities pose significant risks to the health of workers, residents, and the environment. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has classified poultry units with more than 5,000 birds as a polluting industry, requiring compliance with regulations for establishment and operation.
The use of antibiotics as prophylactic and growth promoters in livestock is a major concern, as it contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance. The 269th Law Commission of India Report in 2017 recommended a set of draft rules to improve the welfare of chickens in the meat and egg industries, including guidelines for waste management, antibiotic use, and animal care. However, the Draft Rules for the egg industry released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in 2019 are considered weak and insufficient.
The outbreak of H5N1 has brought these issues to the forefront, and it is imperative that India takes immediate action to address the legal and regulatory gaps in the poultry industry. Stringent enforcement of environmental regulations, along with reforms to promote animal welfare and reduce antibiotic use, are essential to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health, animal welfare, and the environment.
