Namakkal Poultry Sector On High Alert After Bird Flu Outbreaks In Kerala

Following reports of avian influenza outbreaks in neighbouring Kerala, poultry farms in Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district have strengthened biosecurity and surveillance protocols.

Recognised as one of India’s biggest egg-producing centres, the district has adopted a no-risk approach despite the absence of a direct border with Kerala.

Officials and farm owners have underlined that heightened caution is essential due to Namakkal’s vital role in the national poultry ecosystem.

Accounting for nearly 1,500 poultry farms, Namakkal produces millions of eggs each day.

Serving domestic markets across multiple states and catering to overseas demand, the district remains a cornerstone of India’s egg supply chain.

Given this scale, any disruption could lead to significant economic and health-related consequences.

Government Steps Up Surveillance

In response to the emerging situation, the Tamil Nadu government has stepped up surveillance at inter-state entry points.

Additional inspections of poultry transport vehicles have been ordered, alongside tighter health monitoring within farms.

Awareness campaigns for farmers and workers have also been reinforced to ensure early identification of potential risks.

Speaking on the precautions, poultry farm owner Pathasarathy K said farms have implemented additional safety measures as a preventive step.

“After the avian flu outbreak in Kerala, we have strengthened biosecurity norms. Poultry here is raised in a controlled environment, and regular cleaning and disinfection are strictly followed. Formalin is used frequently to eliminate disease-causing organisms,” he said.

“Vehicles coming from Kerala are handled with extreme caution. They are disinfected completely before being allowed anywhere near the farms,” he noted.

Emphasising prevention, another poultry farmer said timely vaccination and strict hygiene remain critical.

“We ensure that birds are vaccinated on time, and hygiene is strictly maintained. Damp litter, waste accumulation or contaminated feed can easily trigger infections, so constant monitoring is essential,” he said.

Highlighting the industry’s preparedness, Valsan Parameswaran, secretary of the All India Poultry Product Exporters Association, said exporters are fully alert.

“More than 50 lakh eggs are exported daily from Namakkal. Export-oriented farms follow stringent biosecurity norms throughout the year. Birds are tested every 21 days, and even water used in farms is treated to eliminate pathogens,” he said.

Confirming the measures, a senior Animal Husbandry Department official said surveillance at inter-state check posts has been intensified.

“Although Namakkal does not share a border with Kerala, its importance as a poultry hub makes it vulnerable. We have increased inspections, vehicle checks and awareness programmes for farmers and workers to ensure early detection and prevention of any outbreak,” the official said.