Tamil Nadu Issues Statewide Bird Flu Alert After Crow Deaths

Tamil Nadu has issued a statewide bird flu alert following reports of large-scale crow deaths, triggering concerns over a potential outbreak of avian influenza.

The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries released a comprehensive advisory outlining biosecurity and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease among poultry, wild birds, and humans.

At the same time, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) urged residents to remain vigilant and strictly follow health and safety protocols.

Health officials advised people to seek immediate medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, or breathing difficulty, particularly if they have had contact with birds.

The advisory cautioned slaughterhouse workers, poultry handlers, and those exposed to sick or dead birds to exercise extra care.

Authorities also asked the public to promptly report any unusual bird deaths or clusters of illness to the animal husbandry department to enable swift intervention.

Animal husbandry officials directed field staff and veterinary teams to intensify surveillance across districts to detect sudden sickness or mortality among crows, other wild birds, and domestic poultry.

Authorities directed veterinary staff to avoid post-mortems in open areas and send carcasses to the Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories for testing.

Officials ordered the incineration or deep burial of dead birds and warned the public against handling carcasses without gloves.

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Deputy Director MG Ganesan said wildlife teams remain on high alert, while poultry farms have tightened biosecurity and restricted visitor access.

Authorities have also launched awareness campaigns, intensified monitoring at bird markets, regulated poultry movement, and reviewed district preparedness.