The Kuttanad region in Kerala has reported seven bird flu outbreaks over the last 11 years. But the source of these infections remains unknown. Migratory and wild birds were suspected, but extensive testing found no avian flu virus in samples from these birds across Kerala. A study by Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), with NGOs and the State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK), monitored waterbirds from January to April 2024. Researchers found no direct evidence linking migratory birds to the 2024 outbreaks in Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta. Dr. P.O. Nameer, who led the study, said, “Garganey and Northern Pintail numbers peaked in February and March but were mostly absent in April when bird flu cases occurred. Their sightings were far from the outbreak centres.” He added that confirming migratory birds as virus sources requires virological tests. The report also warned about biosecurity lapses, like bringing ducks from Tamil Nadu and rearing them in wetlands. Earlier, an expert panel from the Animal Husbandry Department had suggested migratory birds might be the cause based on circumstantial evidence. Boby Rajan of the State Institute for Animal Diseases explained, “Most outbreaks matched migratory seasons and wetland locations where migratory birds gather. But samples from such birds have tested negative, so infection from migratory birds can’t be ruled out.” Despite efforts by Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Animal Husbandry Department, and others to test wild bird samples over the years, none showed avian flu virus. T.P. Sethumadhavan, a former director at KVASU, called for stronger research and diagnostics in Kuttanad. He noted, “Though a National Centre for Bird Flu was promised in 2015, it has not started. Instead of assumptions, multidisciplinary studies and economic impact assessments are needed.” Dr. Nameer recommended ongoing wild bird monitoring, stricter poultry transport checks, regular farm inspections, and teamwork among ornithologists, veterinarians, and public health experts to ensure early detection of bird flu.