CHENNAI, The Tamil Nadu government on Friday issued a high alert following reports of large-scale crow deaths in various parts of the state, raising concerns over a possible outbreak of avian influenza.
TN on high alert following reports of large-scale crow deaths in stateAs a quick response to the growing biosecurity threat, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has issued a comprehensive advisory mandating strict precautionary measures for poultry farmers and handlers of wild birds across the state.
Speaking to PTI, Director of Public Health, Dr A Somasundaram, said the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has also issued a separate communication, appealing to the public to follow strict safety protocols.
“Based on the central government’s notification regarding the outbreak of avian flu in Tamil Nadu, we have issued the advisory,” he added.
DPH advises individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms including cough, runny nose, fever, or difficulty breathing. Special precautions are taken for those who work in slaughterhouses and handle sick or dead birds.
Meanwhile, the animal husbandry department has directed its officials to intensify surveillance and increase vigilance to detect unusual illnesses or deaths among crows, migratory birds and commercial poultry.
According to sources, under the new protocol, veterinary staff have been strictly instructed to refrain from post-mortem of dead birds in the field. Instead, it is recommended that all their autopsies be referred to designated regional disease diagnostic labs to ensure clinical accuracy and control.
To prevent the spread of infection through scavenging, the advisory also directed that dead birds be either burned or buried deeply.
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Authorities have urged the public to immediately respond to the animal husbandry department on any unusual bird deaths and prevent possible zoonotic spillover to humans.
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