Open-air duck farming increases disease vulnerability: Kuttanad's method of moving ducks freely across waterlogged fields exposes them to migratory birds, driving avian flu spread. This contrasts with indoor poultry farming, highlighting a trade-off between traditional practices and disease control.

Recurring outbreaks disrupt rural livelihoods and cultural heritage: Repeated culling and trade restrictions severely reduce duck farming viability, threatening a centuries-old livelihood and pushing farmers to exit, illustrating how zoonotic diseases can damage socio-economic and cultural structures.

Lack of migratory bird monitoring limits proactive disease management: India's absence of a formal system to track migratory bird movements hampers early warning and prevention of avian flu outbreaks, pointing to structural gaps in disease surveillance linked to environmental factors.